Bureau Veritas awards AiP for LNG/ammonia tanks

Bureau Veritas (BV) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Italian tank design and development firm, Gas and Heat SpA (GH), for a new type of cargo/fuel tank suitable for both LNG and ammonia.

A study by GH and supported by a team from BV proved that tanks made of austenitic steel of a special grade are suitable for both LNG and ammonia, a potential marine fuel. The development is important because shipowners are weighing up strategies for a multi-fuel future and systems capable of storing and handling different marine fuels.

GH had already received approval from BV for austenitic steel of a special grade to be used for the development of LNG containment systems designated as an 'alternative material' in terms of the IGC/IGF Codes. Now, following a Stress Corrosion Cracking test undertaken by GH and approved by BV in August, the material has been approved for ammonia.

GH president, Mauro Evangelisti, said: "Innovation has always been and will remain our main focus. This study is part of the innovation journey the industry needs for a smart and sustainable transition to a greener future. We hope the use of this material will provide more cost-effective and safer components to the industry."