GTT secures the first application of its 1 barg tank design pressure on a series of LNG-powered container vessels

Paris, 2 October 2024

• Applied to LNG fuel tanks equipped with Mark III Flex technology, the 1 barg1 tank design pressure concept developed by GTT allows for an operating relative pressure of up to 1 barg, instead of 0.7 barg.

• Combined with the very low boil-off rate offered by GTT's Mark III Flex technology, the 1 barg tank design pressure will enable LNG-powered ships to comply with future port regulations requiring cold ironing at the quayside.

GTT, in collaboration with an Asian shipyard, announces the first implementation of a 1 barg tank design pressure for a recently ordered series of twelve LNG-fuelled container vessels fitted with GTT's Mark III Flex technology.

This application establishes a new standard for the use of GTT's Mark III Flex technology in LNG fuel tanks, allowing operations at a pressure of up to 1 barg, compared to the current maximum of 0.7 barg. Having already implemented a 2 barg design pressure on smaller capacity fuel tanks already in operation, this is the first time a higher design pressure level will be implemented on larger capacity tanks (>3.000 m3), providing significant advantages for ship-owners, including:

• Increased pressure holding time: The 1 barg design pressure enhances LNG tank performance by offering very large pressure operational range, thus improving holding time and avoiding unnecessary gas burning during periods of low activity.

• Bunkering LNG with warmer temperatures: This technology facilitates the bunkering of LNG at higher temperatures, enabling vessels to source fuel from a wider range of suppliers, including those with higher pressure, warmer LNG.

This innovation will enable LNG-powered vessels to comply with upcoming port regulations on cold ironing at the quayside, such as the FuelEU Maritime initiative2. Thanks to the very low boil-off rate of Mark III Flex technology and the increased holding time of the "1 barg" design, ship-owners will be able to halt LNG consumption and rely exclusively on shore-side electricity. This will allow them to enhance their environmental performance and optimize their LNG consumption while adhering to new carbon intensity standards.

Jean-Baptiste Choimet, CEO of GTT, stated: "This technological advancement reflects our on-going commitment to providing practical solutions that meet the evolving requirements of the maritime industry. By introducing the 1 barg tank design pressure, we aim to enhance the operational capabilities of large LNG fuel tanks fitted with GTT's Mark III technology and provide ship-owners with the flexibility required to adapt to regulatory changes."

[1] Unit of measurement, abbreviation of 'bar gauge'.
[2] Starting January 1, 2030, container ships over 5,000 gross tons in ports of the trans-European transport network will be required to connect to shore power, thereby prohibiting the consumption of LNG.

Gaztransport & Technigaz press release