Keeping older LNG tankers going strong

摘要

Older gas ships are being employed more and more frequently, with a 40-year life expectancy now being considered the norm. However, a ship is a ship, whatever the cargo, and the marine environment is no respecter of ship type. This length of service for shipping may be peculiar to the LNG industry and, therefore, vessels reaching 20 or 25 years need upgrading to manage such a life expectancy. Ian Harper, FIMarEST, Ian Langley, FIMarEST, and Ian Meaden, MRINA, all from UK consultancy Wavespec Ltd, consider some of the likely problems to arise. The cryogenic containment system tends to receive most of the limelight in any discussion of LNG carrier longevity. However, in reality, cargo tanks are only a part of the full picture, and this article will concentrate mostly on the remainder of the ship.