Shell, Lloyd’s Register, and GTT launch hybrid-electric LNG carrier project

Lloyd’s Register, Shell, and GTT have initiated a Joint Development Project to design and assess a conceptual 200,000m³ liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. The vessel concept aims to combine hybrid-electric propulsion with GTT NEXT1® cargo containment technology.

The project focuses on improving transport efficiency, increasing cargo volumes, and providing greater operational flexibility to meet evolving industry requirements and emission reduction pressures. Technical investigations will include the development and safety verification of the hybrid-electric propulsion system, specifically addressing system architecture, redundancy philosophy, and battery integration.

In addition to technical development, the partners will conduct a commercial evaluation using a total cost of ownership (TCO) model to assess the economic implications of the design. The initiative also aims to establish technical requirements and guidance for applying hybrid-electric propulsion to LNG carrier applications.