Houlder’s Marine Design Consultancy business has contracted with Siem Shipping to provide plan approval services during the design phase of their new LNG Dual Fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels (pictured below).  The two ships are being constructed at the Xiamen Shipbuilding yard in China.

The car carriers will be powered by LNG Dual Fuel Main Engines able to run on LNG and MGO.  The pioneering vessels, expected to be delivered in 2019, will be amongst the first car carrying ships to be powered by LNG in the world and the first LNG fuelled vessels to operate intercontinentally between Europe and the United States.

“Houlder is delighted to continue to strengthen our relationship with Siem shipping” said Jonathan Strachan Director – Ship Design & Engineering at Houlder (pictured).  “This project is another demonstration of the importance of LNG Dual Fuel technology to the future of sea trade.”  Houlder’s plan approval contract includes the review of key drawings, whilst also providing LNG specific technical support based on experience. This has been gained across a range of activities including the Class level design of the UK first LNG Dual Fuel powered ferry for Caledonian MacBrayne, plan approval of a new build LNG FSRU for a global energy provider and years’ of operational and managerial experience of LNG tankers.

Houlder’s commitment to the future of LNG-as-Fuel extends to developing its own range of bunkering barge and vessel designs and handling and transfer equipment. The latter includes the KHobra Transfer System developed with KLAW LNG.  Aimed specifically at the small to mid-scale bunkering sector, each design innovatively employs proven, safe and reliable components to improve operational envelopes.

Jonathan concluded “Houlder’s developments in the LNG sector benefit from a proven track record of offshore innovation gained over thirty years. The new Siem Shipping LNG Dual Fuel Car Carriers are an excellent example of that in action.”