On the Development of the Arc7 LNG Carrier – Hull Form Development

Abstract

This paper focuses on the brief history and some fundamental technical issues which are raised during the hydrodynamic design development of DSME Arctic LNG carrier for Yamal area.

In 2010, DSME investigates ship design concept and economic aspects for shuttle LNG transportation services from Yamal peninsula to Murmansk. In this study, Arc7 class 85,000 m³ shuttle LNG carrier which is driven by twin pod propulsion system has been developed. The economic evaluation for round trip with three bow design alternatives (bulbous bow, moderate ice bow and extreme ice bow) have been made and found that the extreme type of bow variant can transport the highest annual volume of cargo.

The design development for 170,000 m³ class Arctic LNG carrier was undertaken early in 2011. Various types of bow including bulbous bow type were compared based on the model tests and, the performance comparison between different propulsion concepts. After the newbuilding contract for Yamal LNG in 2013, a set of challenging target for open water speed performance and ice capabilities are given. In order to comply with the target, a hull form optimization using utmost advanced CAE technologies were carried out considering multi-operation profiles, i.e. laden and ballast draft conditions including speed variations. In addition to the optimization for conventional open water, bow and specially designed stern shapes are also optimized in view point of ice breaking abilities by applying the constraints of hull form characteristics to maintain the target ice capabilities. And those full scale open water and ice breaking performances are finally well confirmed in official sea trials and ice trial.