Ice Collision Analyses for Membrane Tank Type LNG Carrier

As arctic energy resource is attracting public attention, arctic shipping market will also be growing in large as expected to increase in LNG trade from Arctic area to the western countries by shipping. During the voyages through such routes, collision with icebergs may be possible. In the present report, ice collision analyses are carried out from a practical point of view to verify the safety of hull structural strength of LNG carriers equipped with GTT membrane type cargo containment system. From the results of collision analyses and the operation-friendly design concept of no-repairing of cargo containment system, a safe operating envelope against ice collision is proposed for LNG carriers of membrane type cargo containment system. Based on the currently proposed safety criteria, it is concluded that LNG carriers with membrane tank type can operate safely with regard to the integrity of CCS in regions where collision between LNG carrier and iceberg is expected.