MHI gets order for fuel-efficient LNG carrier

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) recently received an order for a liquefied natural gas carrier with a new turbine plant with 15% higher fuel efficiency. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha ordered the new 123,000 gross tonnage Eco-LNG carrier. This vessel will be the first of its kind to use the MHI Ultra Steam Turbine Plant (UST). This technology uses the efficient utilization of thermal energy by reheating steam. The company expects that the LNG carrier will be completed and delivered in 2014. The specifications for the new vessel is that it will weigh 123,000 gross tons, 288 meters in length, 49 m in width and 26.8 in depth. The ship will be able to carry a total of 145,400 m3 of LNG in four MOSS type spherical storage tanks. Environmentally, the vessel has reduced gas emissions through lower fuel consumption and a ballast water treatment system and the capability to use low sulfur fuel oil. Interest in reducing CO2 emissions to prevent global warming has increased the desire for more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vessels, or Eco-ships, in international maritime transportation. (March 2, 2011)