DNV grants AiP for LNG tank insulation with leak detection

DNV has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to cryogenic insulation specialist, Passer Marine AS, for new LNG fuel tank insulation incorporating leak detection functionality. The system is intended for prismatic ‘type B’ tanks, which require a partial secondary barrier under IMO rules.

Svein Konradsen, COO of Passer Marine, commented: “The system we have developed is cost-effective and production-friendly. The required testing has been difficult to finalise due to testing interruptions and limited possibilities to travel, but finally we have been able to submit the necessary documentation, which I am very pleased to say was accepted by DNV.”

As the number of LNG-fuelled vessels joining the world fleet continues to grow, ship operators are assessing ways to maximise cargo carrying capacity because LNG as a fuel requires more storage space than conventional bunkers. Since their profile fits more closely with ships’ hulls, ‘type B’ prismatic tanks are more efficient in a cargo-carrying context. DNV noted that such tanks are therefore proving more popular than traditional ‘type C’ cylindrical tanks for newbuildings today.