Regional LNG: SHI develops first membrane-type cargo hold for LNG tankers

South Korean Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) said it has successfully developed the industry?s first membrane-type cargo hold for LNG tankers.

SHI held a launch ceremony for SCA (Smart Containment-System Advanced), the cargo hold for LNG tankers, in London on Septemer 6th, and invited shippers and classification experts to the newly developed product introduction.

As this technology will enable cost savings of KRW 9 billion to KRW 10 billion per LNG tanker, it is expected that SHI will be able to increase its LNG shipbuilding competitiveness.

The cargo hold for LNG tankers is a tank containing LNG that is liquefied at -163 degrees, and is a critical part of an LNG tanker. In the past, all Korean shipbuilders manufacturing LNG tankers had to pay technology royalties to a foreign company holding the required source technology patent.

With the aim of achieving self-reliance in cargo hold manufacturing, Samsung Heavy Industries has conducted joint research with KAIST since 2007, with the master design and full design certified by major classification agencies, including LR and ABS.

In April 2011, the company completed the mock-up certification and has undertaken phased preparation for the product launch by having tech briefings for the world?s major oil companies, including BG, Chevron, CoP and Exxon Mobil.

The newly developed cargo hold for LNG tankers was built with tech upgrades, including improved membrane forms, newly developed secondary barrier materials and super-insulating materials, in order to improve stability, gas tightness and efficiency in transportation.

"If we apply this industry-first model to our LNG tankers, we will be able to improve our competitiveness in order receipts, as we no longer will have to pay high tech royalties,? SHI CEO, Roh In-Sik, said.(romel)