Bureau Veritas Publishes LNG Fuel Gas-Prepared Notation

Classification society Bureau Veritas has published new requirements for ships designed to be capable of using LNG fuel in the future, even if not initially intended for gas propulsion. The rules, outlined in Rule Note NR 627 Gas-Prepared Ships, were released in October 2015.

The notation, named Gas-Prepared, ensures that vessels are designed with the necessary spaces and arrangements to facilitate the future installation of an LNG fuel system. This aims to provide shipowners with flexibility as they consider transitioning to LNG as market conditions evolve.

"Many owners consider that they will switch to LNG as a fuel in the future, but are not yet ready to make that change. It makes sense to build and lay out ships so they can easily be converted in the future," said Jean-Francois Segretain, Technical Director, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division.

Rule Note NR 627 details the required spaces for components such as LNG bunkering stations, storage tanks, fuel gas systems, and ventilation. Vessels meeting these standards will receive the Gas-Prepared notation, which can be further supplemented with specific indicators for structural, piping, and engine arrangements.