83
I
n the 1970s, three LNG cargo containment systems emerged that became
widely used in the LNG shipping business. Two membrane systems
originated from France, and a Moss systemwas developed in Norway.
A fourth LNG containment system joined the ranks of the large marine LNG
cargo tank designs in the early 1990s; the Japanese IHI Corp. SPB (self-supporting
prismatic shape IMO type-B) system. With only two orders for LNG carriers in the
1990s, this system seemed to be inaccessible due to its high price. However, in
2014, four vessels were ordered with the SPB system, bringing it back as a credible
alternative to the membrane systems and the Moss system.
This article will assess the relative merits of each cargo containment system
and examine their suitability as potential LNG fuel tank systems for LNG-fuelled
vessels.
Alexander Harsema-Mensonides, Braemar Engineering,
USA,
examines LNG containment systems and their
suitability as LNG fuel tanks for commercial ships.
right choice
Making the
