LNG Capability

Overview of the LNG sector

Demand for building new LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) vessels is looking very strong for the next 5 years, which we anticipate will result in a shortage of dock space as the vessels reach their 1st special survey. Many LNG owners are now considering expanding their choice of preferred yards, as facilities and experience of LNG vessels grows.

In 2023, Calvey Marine Directors visited their Principals’ shipyards globally to examine worldwide LNG capabilities. Their goal was to return with a carefully selected collection of the world’s most capable, experienced and technologically advanced shipyards in strategic locations to best support their UK based ship owners and managers’ LNG vessels. We are now proud to introduce the LNG division of Calvey Marine Limited, focusing on our Principals; Lisnave Shipyard (Setubal), Drydocks World Dubai, and Yiu Lian Shekou.

The shipping Industry is constantly evolving to meet market demands, and environmental considerations. If a company is to perform well under these changing conditions, it is important that shipyards evolve to meet client requirements.

2022 was a historic newbuilding year for LNG shipping, according to leading maritime research firms, with some 122 ships ordered in 2022, with more orders in the pipeline. The LNG large vessel fleet is currently around 720 vessels, each representing a major investment at around $260 million dollars each and there are currently a further 300 vessels in total on order. The forecast by GTT is that the fleet number will be around 1,130 vessels by 2033 and this will require 450 new vessels to meet the expected demand in the next decade. A pillar of this newbuilding surge has been the completion of the first phase of Qatar’s massive 151-ship LNG fleet renewal programme.

The underlying trend is a clear indication to our shipyards that any investment in LNG capabilities and expertise will be monies well spent.

Anticipating this growth, Calvey Marine have been working with shipyards that are investing in research and developing their facilities accordingly. As the LNG market grows to be a major influence in the maritime industry, we have been identifying and carefully selecting those of our Principal shipyards that can best support our LNG Clients’ requirements using their specific facilities, expertise and knowledge to provide the very best worldwide services and facilities for repairs.

We are proud to be working with Lisnave Shipyard (Setubal), Drydocks World Dubai, and Yiu Lian Shekou.

LNG Capability; our Principals

Lisnave Shipyard

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Market dynamics has led over the years to a diversification of types and sizes of ships repaired today at Lisnave Shipyard. The repair and docking projects range from small to large tankers, bulkers and container carriers. The yard has also invested in cryogenic facilities to cater for the increasing number of LNG projects and has plans for greater investment in facilities and new technologies during the next year.

Lisnave’s facilities include a dedicated climatised workshop to overhaul cryogenic equipment, such as cargo compressors, pumps and valves.

The yard also has GTT approval for maintenance and repair of membrane containment systems and has signed technical agreements with most of the specialised companies to provide all required assistance to deal with cargo compartments of LNG/LPG’s vessels.

So far, Lisnave has completed repairs to 25 LNG vessels.

Interested? Get in touch: calvey@calveymarine.co.uk

LNG Capability; our Principals

Drydocks World Dubai

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Since 1995 Drydocks World Dubai has completed 195 repairs to LNG/C vessels and since receiving its first ship repair customer in 1983, DDWD has grown into one of the world’s most prominent facilities and a leading brand for marine and offshore projects.

In addition, Drydocks World Dubai is the leading ship repair yard in the Middle East for repair/conversion of LNG vessels:

  • >40 LNG/ FSRU projects delivered from 2018 – Sep 2023 (28 projects from 2021-Sep 2023)
  • >200 LNG/FSRU projects completed to date
  • 5 LNG vessels at the yard simultaneously

Drydocks World Dubai are well experienced in providing protection, scaffolding and other logistics for LNG cargo containment repairs in the fastest and safest manner and has developed procedures for accepting LNG fueled vessels for emergency repairs with LNG fuel onboard.

Capabilities include:

Cryogenic Facilities

  • Climatic controlled pipe fabrication
  • Dedicated Mechanical Shop for cryogenic valves & pumps.

LNG Related Works

  • Cryogenic valve & pumps overhauling
  • Cargo pipes renewals
  • Insulation work
  • HD & LD Compressor
  • Vaporizer maintenance

Routine Maintenance

  • Dry docking and inspection
  • Maintenance of major equipment
  • Hull blasting and coating
  • Propulsion machinery survey

Interested? Get in touch:calvey@calveymarine.co.uk

LNG Capability; our Principals

Yiu Lian Shekou

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The yard is ISO 9000 registered with regard to management and is certified to conform to quality management system standards ISO9002, ISO9001:2000, and OHSMS 2003 and 2007.

The senior management are very keen to provide continuous improvements to their operating systems, protocols and facilities in order to be able to compete with the major worldwide yards such as are available in Singapore.

In recent years the yard has invested heavily in LNG Cryogenic workshops and facilities and clean workshop areas. These are extremely clean, with filtered and air-conditioned air with airlock type entry. The yard has had GTT approval since 2012. The yard has also invested in a Nitrogen storage and supply facility in the yard which is used to inert LNG vessels on departure saving the client around 24 to 48 hours at a loading terminal. The yard has also invested in the manufacture of dog houses specific to different types of vessels. Gas up, cool down and heel LNG loading for ballast passage are key factors following repairs.

Yiu Lian has carried out repairs to 55 LNG vessels in the last 8 years and is one of 4 repair facilities owned by China Merchants. The other yards are Yiu Lian Weihai North China, Yiu Lian Zhoushan, central China and Yiu Lian Hong Kong. However only Yiu Lian Shekhou is focused on the LNG repairs and conversions and is seen as the leading yard in China for LNG vessels.

Interested? Get in touch:calvey@calveymarine.co.uk