MI LNG Company, a joint venture (JV) formed between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Imabari Shipbuilding has received two orders to build and supply the Sayaringo STaGE a next-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.
Under the terms of the contract, MI LNG will supply one LNG carrier each with a capacity of 180,000m3, to two JVs formed by Chubu Electric Power with Mitsui (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).
Integrated with hybrid propulsion system known as steam turbine and gas engines (STaGE), the Sayaringo STaGE vessel features new design to reduce wind resistance during navigation as well as efficient hull structure to increase LNG carrying capacity and fuel efficiency.
Additional features of the vessels include four apple-shaped tanks and improved version of Moss-type tanks.
The 297.5m-long and 48.94m-wide vessels, which are planned to be delivered in 2018, will be used for transporting shale gas produced from the Freeport LNG Project, which is being supported by Chubu Electric Power.
Work under the contract will be carried out at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works.
The contracts follow an order by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) for two Sayaringo STaGE LNG carriers in April.
Being developed by Freeport LNG Development at the Freeport LNG terminal in the US, the Freeport LNG project comprises a new natural gas liquefaction facility to refine and liquefy shale gas and other natural gases produced in the US.
Image: Illustration of Sayaringo STaGE a next-generation LNG carrier. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.