LNG Engineering

What is LNG engineering

Verifying LNG tank structures and surrounding spaces for strength, fatigue and cryogenic thermal exposure.

LNG engineering covers the structural and thermal assessments required for LNG containment systems installed on LNG carriers and LNG dual-fuel vessels.

Because LNG is stored at cryogenic temperatures, the LNG tank, saddle supports, Tank Connection Space (TCS), drip tray and surrounding hull structures must be verified for both mechanical loading and potential low-temperature exposure.

The analysis helps confirm that the LNG tank installation and adjacent structures are suitable for the intended operating conditions, leakage scenarios and applicable classification society requirements.

Who needs LNG engineering

Shipowners undertaking newbuild or conversion projects for LNG carriers and LNG dual-fuel vessels.

Shipyards integrating LNG fuel tanks, tank supports, drip trays and gas-related spaces into newbuild or retrofit vessels.

Design companies preparing structural and thermal engineering packages for LNG tank installations.

LNG tank manufacturers and fuel gas system suppliers requiring verification of tank supports, surrounding structures and cryogenic protection arrangements.

Vessel operators converting existing vessels to LNG dual-fuel operation where the tank installation and adjacent structures require assessment.

Scope of work of LNG engineering

LNG tank structural strength analysis — tank foundations, supports, saddles and surrounding hull structures.

LNG tank fatigue analysis — fatigue assessment of tank structures and critical connection details under cyclic operating loads.

LNG tank saddle fatigue analysis — evaluation of fatigue performance at saddle supports and local structural connections.

Tank Connection Space (TCS) fatigue analysis — fatigue assessment of the TCS structure and its critical connections.

LNG drip tray performance analysis — temperature distribution assessment of the drip tray and surrounding structures under defined LNG leakage scenarios.

Tank Connection Space thermal analysis — evaluation of temperature distribution within the TCS and adjacent structures under cryogenic exposure conditions.

The analysis uses finite element and thermaldynamic simulation methods, incorporating LNG tank arrangement, structural geometry, material properties, insulation arrangements, design loads and defined leakage scenarios. Applicable classification society rules and project-specific requirements govern the assessment criteria and design recommendations.

Project experience

LNG tank structural strength assessment
— Strength verification of LNG tank foundations, saddle supports and adjacent hull structures for an LNG-fuelled vessel project.

LNG tank and saddle fatigue analysis
— Fatigue assessment of LNG tank support arrangements and critical structural connections under cyclic vessel operating loads.

LNG drip tray thermal analysis
— Cryogenic thermal assessment of a drip tray arrangement, including temperature distribution in the tray and surrounding steel structures following a defined LNG leakage scenario.

Tank Connection Space thermal analysis
— Temperature distribution analysis of a Tank Connection Space (TCS) and its surrounding structural boundaries under LNG-related cryogenic exposure conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What information do you need to start?

A general arrangement drawing, LNG tank drawings and specification, tank support and saddle drawings, surrounding structural drawings, material specifications, insulation arrangement, design loads, leakage scenarios and applicable class requirements.

What is a Tank Connection Space (TCS)?

A Tank Connection Space is an enclosed space associated with an LNG tank installation that contains tank connections, piping interfaces, valves and related equipment.

Because it is connected to the LNG containment or fuel gas system, the TCS and its surrounding structures may need to be assessed for fatigue performance and cryogenic thermal exposure.

What is LNG drip tray performance analysis?

LNG drip tray performance analysis assesses the effect of cryogenic LNG accumulation in a drip tray under a defined leakage scenario.

The analysis evaluates the resulting temperature distribution in the drip tray and adjacent structures, helping verify the suitability of structural materials, insulation arrangements and protective measures.

Do you provide LNG drip tank capacity calculations?

Where required, the capacity of an LNG drip tray or collection arrangement can be reviewed based on the defined leakage scenario and applicable project requirements.

However, the primary scope of our LNG drip tray analysis is thermal performance assessment. Drip tray capacity calculation should be confirmed as a separate deliverable at project commencement.

How long does a typical LNG engineering analysis take?

A defined single-scope assessment, such as an LNG tank strength calculation or drip tray thermal analysis, typically takes several weeks depending on drawing availability, model complexity and the number of design cases.

Additional time may be required for combined structural, fatigue and thermal assessments, or where class submission documentation is required.