Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has signed a cooperation agreement with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the industrialisation of GTT’s new Mark V technology.
GTT is the membrane containment system design provider for the maritime transportation and storage of LNG.
This partnership will see the development and qualification of a welding robot for the primary stainless steel and secondary invar membranes. The robot is expected to enhance the welding process and minimise the time for construction.
GTT chairman and CEO Philippe Berterottière said: "We are very pleased to see HHI embarked onto this major development programme.
"It allows us to be quite confident in the possibility for Mark V to be commercialised from 2015."
Mark V technology, which is composed of a double-insulation with reinforced polyurethane foam, is an improved version of the Mark III system and Mark III Flex.
The latest technology includes a nickel-steel alloy corrugated secondary membrane and provides significant improvement to the warranted daily boil-off rate.
According to the company, this has already received approval in principal (AIPs) from major classification societies.
In April, GTT announced a similar agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries that includes the construction of a mock-up for final developments and related tests.
Both partnerships will support the commercialisation of Mark V technology this year, GTT stated.
Image: Mark V technology is an improved version of the Mark III system and Mark III Flex. Photo: courtesy of Gaztransport & Technigaz.
