ABS to class a series of six VLECs

The contract clinched by ABS is for six 87,000 cu m VLECs and available options. ABS said it currently has the largest share of the global orderbook for LNG vessels being built to its class, and it has established a large team of gas surveyors at shipyards across Korea.

“As a result of the shale gas boom in the US, ethane is developing as an exciting new market with great potential, requiring the development of new ship types,” said Patrick Janssens, vice president of global gas solutions at ABS.

ABS claimed that it has extensive technical experience with the full scope of gas-related assets, ranging from LNG bunker barges to FLNG units and was recently awarded the classification of the first compressed natural gas (CNG) carriers.

In May, ABS announced its first classification contract for a floating LNG facility from Malaysian oil firm Petronas.