Newbuilds: Setting a new ECO LPG standard
Vitali Kisliuk is Solvang’s site-manager at Hyundai’s shipyard in Korea. With a captain’s determination he prepares the seven VLGC newbuilds with a stunning set of environmental equipment – set to eliminate the climate footprint and rule the waves of ECO gas carriers.
“Commanding Solvang’s VLGC carriers from the bridge gives you a clear opinion about their construction – how they can be improved,” says Captain Vitali Kisliuk. The 54-year old captain has set foot firmly on land in Busan, Korea - far out of his comfort zone - to manage the mammoth Panamax VLGC newbuilding programme.
“I was proud when the Company asked me as a long-sailing captain to assume site command for the construction of our new vessels. After sailing for such a long time, this is a chance to develop myself and test my limits in a new way,” Vitali says.
Despite the huge workload overseeing seven newbuilds, Vitali finds time to experience his new surroundings. He is happy that his wife Tatsiana decided to join him during his whole stay in Korea.
“She stands by my side, and together we enjoy Korean culture and the community with local people. We use this opportunity to practice for a future after work,” Vitali says, smiling.
Mission impossible?
The newbuilds are among the largest Panamax VLGC designs currently under construction. At the same time, the design contains more environmental and emissionscontrol provisions than previous generations.
“How is it possible to have both record cargo capacity and still pass the Panama locks with all that extra equipment?” “You know, if the vessel loads the maximum 88,000m³ of LPG, it can fit the old Panama Canal locks with a draft of 12.45 meters. But this is before installing the full OCCS facility. After it is installed, the draft will increase with a full cargo load. It means we will still pass the old locks of the Panama Canal – and have access to most terminals,” Vitali explains.
The forefront of R&D
It doesn’t require a long conversation to get a sense of the Captain’s determination. A stubbornness which would carry through any storm – and probably did so a few times. Now he is tasked with creating a fleet of ECO gas carriers at the forefront of global research and development.
“OCCS-ready is a really bold move from Solvang, putting us at the front of the global decarbonization game. At the same time, we reserve the option not to deploy this specific technology in operation,” Vitali says.
Adding OCCS-ready to the newbuilds means erecting a massive chimney at the aft, with space provisions for future exhaust treatment and CO2 capture equipment. In addition, the front deck is heavily reinforced to support
the weight of future CO2 storage tanks. Which also requires an extra accommodation deck in order to lift the bridge above the new sight line over the CO2 tanks. All this is before we start talking about the most difficult
part of Captain Vitali’s portfolio.
“The engine room – you simply can’t understand it from a 3D model – not properly. You MUST be there yourself with the site supervisors during construction, to make sure people can access all that equipment inside the dense engine room,” Vitali says.
The unified approach
The international focus on carbon capture has made the VLGC newbuilding team perform at their very best, according to the site-manager.
“At the yard we have a team of professionals who represent authority in their individual fields. When we collect these capabilities, Solvang acquires the ability to be a first mover in deploying new technology at scale,” Vitali says.
When something needs to be changed, scrapped or added during the vessel construction, Vitali and his team use a unified approach to the yard. Firstly, the site supervisor calls out some issue, then a quality manager checks it
out. Next, the two draft a non-conformity report which is an escalation to the site-manager’s level. From there, the issue goes on unified to the yard for a decision and followup change.
“We solve most problems as we go, but certain issues escalate to project manager Kai Sirevåg at the head office, or even to the level of Fleet Director Tor Øyvind Ask. They hold the vision of the whole newbuilding complex and the total investment for the future,” Vitali says.
Efficiency from bow to rudder
In addition to securing emission cleaning and all-over quality, Captain Vitali works to improve the operational efficiency of the VLGC newbuilds.
“Solvang’s existing panmax ECO carriers already have the world’s most efficient design, how can you surpass them with the newbuilds?”
“By improving the thrust effect and lowering the hull resistance further. We have redesigned the bow, which influences the flow structure along the entire hull. Then, at the aft, we add small fins to modify the flow through
the Mewis Duct into the propeller. Finally, the rudder is optimized for minimum resistance in relation to steering impulse,” Vitali says.
“Will this be sufficient to win the future AER race?”
“No, in addition we have picked the best coating available, and we pay extra attention to the application process. The water demarcation line between the two different coatings is strictly observed for cross-contamination. We
fiercely control temperature, humidity and drying time. Our own team of paint supervisors are the best in the market,” Vitali says.
Play with open hands
When climate changes or international politics are beyond any single company’s or person’s influence – there is always something we can do, according to Vitali.
“My advice to young professionals is to be open and honest and tell the truth. If you play with open hands, other people will recognize that and help you. Start by being responsible to yourself and keep your word. When you will be capable of doing what you say, then you will be given responsibilities accordingly,” states Vitali.
