Name and Location
Next-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier project, Japan.

Client
MI LNG Company, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Imabari Shipbuilding.

Project Description
The project involves the construction of two next-generation LNG carriers by Mitsui & Co. The carriers feature a design that achieves significant improvements in LNG-carrying capacity and fuel performance through a more efficient hull structure and an innovative hybrid propulsion system.

The hybrid propulsion system, dubbed STaGE (Steam Turbine and Gas Engines), combines a steam turbine and engines that can be fired by gas. STaGE’s components consist of the ultra steam turbine (UST) plant, a highly efficient reheating steam-type marine turbine developed independently by MHI; a dual-fuel diesel engine capable of operating on gas and oil; and an electric propulsion motor. Plant efficiency has been substantially improved through the UST’s effective use of the engine’s waste heat, resulting in a propulsion system that allows for high-efficiency navigation throughout a full range of speeds.

The vessels will each have an overall length of 297.5 m, width of 48.94 m, depth of 27.0 m and draft of 11.5 m. The carriers will have four apple-shaped tanks, an improved version of high-reliability Moss-type tanks designed with a bulging upper half. The total holding capacity of the tanks will be 177 000 m³. LNG-carrying efficiency has been increased, as the vessel width has been kept to a size enabling its passage through the newly expanding Panama Canal expected to come into service in early 2016.

The vessels will be put into service at the Cameron LNG Project under way in the US, an initiative in which Mitsui is participating.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The vessels are scheduled for completion and delivery in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
MHI, tel +81 3 6717 3111 or
fax +81 3 6716 5800.