Feature 5
are funded. Funding will in itself behave, for example following a collision
depend on the clientele and what needs with an iceberg. “Is there a danger that the
they identify for research purposes. containment system would be breached?”
Money could also be an issue asked Mr Basu.
although Mr Basu stresses the total He said that ABS has spoken to and
investment will be “substantial”, but he is in discussions with Gaztransport &
explained that the total funding made Technigaz (GTT) manufacturers of the
by ABS is still under discussion. “There MKIII and the No96 LNG membrane
are things going on that pre-date the containment systems for LNG ships and
centre, so do we roll those costs into there is “potential for a project in this
the budget? Those discussions are still field,” concluded Mr Basu.
ongoing,” he said. GTT’s membrane systems are a part
Initially research funding will be used of the ship with the membrane attached
to look at the oil shipping and support to the hull, whereas other containment
industry and, in turn, that is driven systems like the Moss Spheres could be a
by the unified Polar Rules outlined different proposition altogether.
by the International Association of Polar exploration and mineral
Classification Societies (IACS). Class exploitation clearly has some obvious
societies recognise that these rules have difficulties that must be overcome. Global
“gaps”, said ABS, that need to be filled. warming could, however, be bringing
“IACS realises that the Polar Rules aBs director of research and development new dangers to those that are considering
need to be refined,” explained Mr Basu. Roger Basu. working in these extremes. As the ice
He said that there are elements such breaks up massive icebergs are formed that
as the plating thickness and frame could pose a serious threat to shipping in
measurements and elements of the lagging or heat tracing of pipes as well the region.
machinery sections that need to be as human factors such as clothing and “As glaciers heat up they are shedding
looked at to make certain they meet dealing with hypothermia. ice bergs more frequently into the regional
modern day requirements. ABS will work with partners such as seas,” said Mr Basu. One such area that
DNV said the implementation of the Canadian Government research group could be affected is a region between the
final Unified Requirements for Polar the Institute of Ocean Technology and the coast of Newfoundland in eastern Canada
Ships represents a big step ahead in National Research Council to develop and the west coast of Greenland known
the harmonisation of rules for ice systems for emergency evacuation and as “iceberg alley”. According to Mr Basu
strengthened vessels designed for Arctic rescue in Arctic temperatures. prevailing currents would send ice north
operations. off the coast of Greenland and then carry
Originally the work began with new them south off the coast of Canada. “It
rules adopted by Swedish and Finnish
“class societies
was probably one of these icebergs that
authorities as changes occurred in the was responsible for the Titanic” he said.
nature of Baltic shipping. Regional
recognise that
Avoiding another Titanic, or indeed
regulations were based on comparatively
small vessels, but as aframaxes and larger
these rules have
another Exxon Valdez, or any other
disaster, is essential. The first line of
ships started to trade in the Baltic more
“gaps”, said ABS,
defence in protecting human and animal
appropriate regulations were necessary. life and the environment must be better
Mr Basu pointed to particular that need to be knowledge that would lead to better
difficulties as examples, including
the regulations for brackets between
filled.”
design. Research is, therefore, a key tool
in the battle to make shipping greener and
stiffeners and primary frames were cleaner.
inconsistent with the construction If the links forged by these two
processes of larger ships. “We will work on joint development major class societies with the HEC and
In addition there needs to be a projects with shipyards, consultants and SMU manages to meet at least some of
winterisation process for Arctic drill Memorial University where we can,” said these requirements it will have been a
ships that will be exposed to very Mr Basu. worthwhile investment.
low temperatures that takes into Partners are also being sought for As to the wisdom of exploring new
consideration the grades of steel used research into how liquefied natural gas territories for new sources of a fuel
in the construction of the vessels, safety (LNG) carriers behave in ice. According that has already caused significant
equipment including lifeboats and fire to ABS little is known about how the environmental damage, history will be
extinguishers that need protecting, pipe various LNG containment systems might mankind’s judge. NA
The Naval Architect January 2010 73
NA Jan 10 - p72+73.indd 73 12/01/2010 10:31:49
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