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

Client
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha.

Project Description
The project involves the construction and delivery of two Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Sayaringo steam
turbine and gas engine (STaGE) carriers, which are deemed next-generation LNG carriers.

STaGE’s components consist of the ultrasteam turbine (UST) plant, a dual-fuel diesel engine capable of operating on gas and oil, and an electric propulsion motor.

Plant efficiency has been substantially improved because the UST effectively uses the engine’s waste heat, resulting in a propulsion system that enables high-efficiency navigation throughout a full range of speeds.

The carriers on order feature a new design that achieves significant improvements in LNG carrying capacity and fuel efficiency through the adoption of a more efficient hull structure and an innovative hybrid propulsion system.

The carriers will transport shale gas produced in North America, carrying the gas from the Cameron LNG project.

The carriers will have an overall length of 293.5 m, a width of 48.94 m, a depth of 27m and a draft of 11.05 m.

The carriers will have four apple-shaped tanks, an improved version of Moss-type tanks designed with a bulging upper half.

The total holding capacity of the tanks will be 165 000 m³.

The adoption of a tank cover integrated with the hull structure allows for a lighter vessel to be used with complete retention of overall structural strength.

The new design also reduces wind resistance during navigation.

The width of the Sayaringo STaGE carriers will also enable them to pass through the newly expanding Panama Canal that is expected to go into service early in 2016, enabling efficient increase in LNG transporting capacity.

Value
Not stated.

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

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Nippon, Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, tel +81 3 3284 5151 or fax +81 3 3284 6361.
MHI, tel +81 3 6716 3111 or fax +81 3 6716 5800.