Deltamarin Secures Five AiPs from DNV and Lloyd’s Register for Next-Generation Vessel Designs

Deltamarin has received five Approvals in Principle (AiPs) from DNV and Lloyd’s Register (LR) for a new series of vessel designs unveiled during Marintec China 2024 in Shanghai. The approvals cover LNG bunkering, gas carrier, chemical tanker, ethane carrier, and container vessel concepts developed to support evolving fuel and efficiency requirements across global shipping.

20,000 CBM LNG Bunkering Vessel (DNV AiP)

The 20,000-cubic-metre LNG bunkering vessel is designed to supply large-scale liquefied natural gas to ocean-going ships. The concept targets future LNG bunkering networks and incorporates safety and operational features intended to support emissions reduction efforts across marine transport.

9,500 CBM Hybrid & Wind-Assisted Liquefied Ethylene Gas Carrier (DNV AiP)

The 9,500 CBM liquefied ethylene gas carrier is designed for Ice Class 1A operations in ice conditions up to 80 cm thick. The vessel integrates a hybrid battery system with wind-assisted propulsion. Combining these technologies is intended to reduce fuel consumption and enhance overall energy efficiency for small gas carriers.

6,200 DWT Duplex Stainless Steel Chemical Tanker (DNV AiP)

The 6,200 DWT chemical tanker features duplex stainless steel cargo tanks and introduces redundancy uncommon in smaller vessels. If the main engine fails, the shaft generator can provide reverse propulsion, enabling the ship to return safely while reducing the risk of environmental harm.

The design also leverages the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) exemption for vessels below 5,000 gross tonnage (GT). Deltamarin maximised deadweight capacity within the physical limits of the hull to offer an alternative for operators seeking compliance flexibility under future regulatory conditions.

103,000 CBM Very Large Ethane Carrier with GTT Mark III Tanks (LR AiP)

The 103,000 CBM very large ethane carrier (VLEC) uses a three-tank GTT Mark III containment system. The concept focuses on efficient, large-scale transport of liquefied ethane and other gaseous cargoes, reflecting growing demand in global ethane and gas logistics.

8,000 TEU Methanol-Ready Container Vessel (LR AiP)

The 8,000 TEU container ship is designed with “methanol readiness,” enabling future operation on green methanol. The configuration supports ongoing adoption of alternative fuels and aligns with fleet renewal strategies aimed at meeting long-term decarbonisation targets.

Industry Context

The five AiPs collectively highlight current trends in ship design, including hybridisation, wind-assistance, alternative fuels, regulatory-driven optimisation, and expanded capacity for cleaner fuel logistics. The approvals confirm that the technical concepts meet relevant class requirements at the early design stage.