DNV GL grants approval in principle for Oshima dual-fuel bulker

The certificate confirms that DNV GL has found the new design, with its U-shaped superstructure, to comply with the classification society's rules and upcoming regulations for LNG-fuelled vessels.

The nature of a bulk carrier's deck means there is limited space, so Oshima has designed a U-shaped superstructure to take the LNG tank at the centre. The design allows a range of LNG tank sizes to be installed, and separates the accommodation deck and fuel completely.

“LNG is emerging in a number of ship sectors and has great potential. We were very pleased to work on this innovative design with Oshima. It offers customers a flexible, safe, future-proof solution and the opportunity to almost eliminate SOx emissions and particulate matter, cut NOx by 80% with Exhaust Gas Recirculating and reduce CO2,” commetend Morten Løvstad, DNV GL bulk carrier business director.

Director and general manager of Oshima's design department, Tatsurou Iwashita, added: “One of the main factors for shipowners and operators considering the use of LNG as ship fuel is the space required to store LNG on board. But as a result of our changes to the superstructure, our design does not reduce the vessel’s cargo capacity. Combined with its dual fuel capabilities, this should make the design very attractive for charterers, especially for trade routes where the LNG fuel price is competitive to HFO and substantially cheaper than marine gas oil (MGO).”