Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has completed development of a new-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. The new vessel, called the EXTREM, is a type of newly developed Sayaendo Series. It features a peapod shaped continuous cover for the Moss spherical tanks that is integrated with the ship’s hull, instead of a conventional hemispherical cover. The new configuration allows for better structural efficiency and size and weight reductions, resulting in improved fuel consumption, operating economy and enhancements in terms of compatibility with LNG terminals and maintainability. MHI is now targeting early order receipts. The continuous cover over the tanks improves aerodynamics by significantly reducing wind pressure which serves as a drag on ship propulsion. Improved aerodynamics also contributes to reduced fuel consumption during navigation. The continuous cover minimizes exposure of support structures and equipments; it also facilitates reinforcement of overall strength, making it effective in resisting ice impact load and suitable for LNG transportation in frigid or icy-water regions. The ship has a cargo tank total capacity of 155,000m3 using four Moss-type tanks; compared to conventional Moss-type LNG carriers of the same size, the EXTREM has the capacity to transport 8,000m3 more LNG. For its main power plant, the EXTREM adopts MHI’s Ultra Steam Turbine Plant (UST), a new turbine plant that achieves higher thermal efficiency via thermal energy by reheating steam. Combined with downsizing, weight reduction and hull lines improvement, the new ship achieves a significant 20% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to conventional ships.
