AMAN BINTULU AMAN SENDAI AMAN HAKATA 18,800m3 LNG Carriers
NKK Corp. held a christening ceremony for the 18,800m3 LNG carrier, AMAN HAKATA, at the Tsu Works in October 1998. This is the third LNG carrier following the AMAN BINTULU and the AMAN SENDAI, both built by NKK in 1993 and 1997 respectively. The AMAN HAKATA will be delivered to Asia LNG Transport DUA. Sdn. Bhd. (ALT) of Malaysia in autumn 1998. The new carrier will transport LNG from Malaysia to Hakata LNG terminal of Saibu Gas Co. in Japan.
These vessels use the G.T.T. Mark III membrane cargo containment system with three stainless steel tanks each in their holds. This system comprises a corrugated stainless membrane (primary barrier), an aluminum foil-glass cloth composite material (secondary barrier) and polyurethane foam panels to prevent structural tank distortion and to prevent leakage of LNG in the event of an accident.
The G.T.T. Mark III type LNG carriers have the following major advantages：
1) A space-efficient, compact-hull form and flexible choice of optimum tank size and shape, offering high economic efficiency;
2) Flat deck configuration affords good bridge visibility;
3) Excellent maneuverability due to a small windage area;
4) Higher safety and strength ensured by a complete double-hull structure.
