Structural Optimization of a 220 000 m³ LNG Carrier

This paper relates to the development of a new concept of 220.000 m³ LNG designed by AKERYARDS
France. This work is performed in the framework of FP6 IMPROVE project.
The first phase of the activity related to the identification of stakeholder’s requirements and the
definition of key performance indicators. In parallel, several calculations have been performed to test
the existing tools and to evaluate the potential gain at the concept design. These activities, associated
with the definition of a 220000 m³ QuatarFlex prototype, including the aspects related to the naval
architecture and general arrangement, have been re-grouped in the so-called “first design loop”.
The second phase concerns the development of new modules to be integrated in the optimization tools
in order to satisfy the requirements defined in the first phase.
The final phase will be the application of the new (improved) optimization tools for the final LNG
product. We highlight that the main target will be the multi-objective structural optimization of the
prototype defined by “the first design loop”. However, some feed-back concerning the naval
architecture point of view could be expected in this phase.
The aim of the paper is to present the results of the first phase, as well as an overview of the analyses
carried out during the “first design loop”. Details about the different methodologies proposed for the
second phase of the development are given.