Lloyd's Register
The American Club
Panama Consulate
London Shipping Law Center
Home ShipmanagementClassification Societies DNV GL concludes risk assessment for methanol carriers with flex fuel engines

DNV GL concludes risk assessment for methanol carriers with flex fuel engines

by admin

DNV GL Logo 1 copy13 May 2014 – DNV GL has conducted a risk assessment “hazard identification study (HAZID)” on a series of three methanol-fuelled tankers for owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and shipyard Minami Nippon Shipbuilding in Japan. As these are the vessels with a flex fuelled low speed diesel engine using methanol and/or heavy fuel oil, DNV GL was asked to participate in the project for its expertise in the low flash point fuel including methanol and LNG. Per Wiggo Richardsen writes: 

“We’re working closely with all parties to make design improvements and safety recommendations early in the design phase, ” says Tetsuya Kamada, the country manager for DNV GL’s maritime advisory unit in Japan. He adds: “We have considered the structure and maintenance of the fuel system as well as the vessel’s voyaging, bunkering and cargo operations to ensure that the vessels will be as highly safe as conventional heavy-oil-fuelled ships.”

The new vessels will be built to NK class and chartered to Waterfront Shipping Company (WFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Methanex Corporation. Sister vessels are being built to DNV GL class by a shipyard in Korea. The vessels will also be chartered to WFS.

“We are pleased to receive DNV GL’s HAZID support for this challenging project. DNV GL led and facilitated the suggestions and views of all the related parties and gave us effective guidance to consider so that we could make these unique vessels safe. We think that their guidance which is based on their proven and long-held knowledge and expertise is very effective, ” appreciated by Mr Satoshi Ikeda, Director of Minami Nippon Shipbuilding.

Methanol is a low SOx fuel that is gaining interest due to its availability, cost and technical feasibility. Methanol has many advantages as a fuel, but as is the case with all fuels, it also has hazards that must be managed, such as toxicity and flammability.

“Due to DNV GL’s contribution, uncertainties and risks have been specifically identified at this early phase, ” says Mr Kiyotaka Yoshida, Managing Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. “We sincerely thank them for their support and expertise shown in identifying risks and hazards in the early design phase which we need to adhere to – and implement countermeasures against – in order to ensure safety.”

The new ships must meet the requirements of the IMO Interim Guideline MSC 285(86). DNV GL views that all safety considerations must be reassessed because using the methanol in a ship engine for propulsion is a new step forward for the maritime industry where people have long experience of handling the particular substance as cargo.

DNV GL has extensive experience of handling low flashpoint liquid cargos on chemical tankers and offshore supply vessels and 15 years’ experience of handling alternative fuels on gas-fuelled ships. A year ago, DNV GL was the very first class society to introduce rules for low flashpoint maritime fuel. This HAZID process has proven to be very productive and will go towards building industry-wide expertise in this promising new fuel.

About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organisations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and technical assurance services along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 16, 000 professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

About DNV GL Maritime Advisory
DNV GL – Maritime Advisory helps customers to mobilise the full potential of their assets and operations. We offer technical and management support and assist customers in managing risk. Examples are energy management services, regulatory and compliance advisory services, concept development services and technical due diligences.

We have a global network of 350 experts that combine industry expertise, multidisciplinary skills and innovation to solve complex technical issues in challenging environments.

About Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. is a global shipping company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company’s main area of operations is international shipping. For more information, please visit http://www.mol.co.jp/en/

About Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is a shipbuilder which has a primary factory in Oita, Japan. The company has built and delivered 21 high quality methanol and chemical tankers which operates worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.mnsb.co.jp/eindex.htm.

About Waterfront Shipping
Waterfront Shipping operates the largest methanol ocean tanker fleet in the world with its fleet comprising vessels from 3, 000 to 49, 000 dwt. Its fleet of 18 modern, deep sea tankers delivers products to major international markets in North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

About Methanex Corporation
Methanex is a Vancouver-based, publicly traded company and is the world’s largest supplier of methanol to major international markets. Methanex shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol “MX”; and on the NASDAQ Global Market in the United States under the trading symbol “MEOH”.

You may also like

Leave a Comment