French membrane containment specialist GTT has received two approvals from classification societies Bureau Veritas (BV) and Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its GTT NEXT1 LNG cargo containment system, signaling that the technology is ready for commercial deployment.
Namely, GTT was granted a design approval (DA) from Bureau Veritas and a general approval for ship application (GASA) from Lloyd’s Register at the Posidonia 2024 maritime event held in Athens.
The two approvals represent a major milestone for GTT NEXT1 technology, confirming that the technology complies with all applicable rules and regulations, including the International Maritime Organization’s International Gas Carrier Code (IMO IGC Code).
As explained, the GTT NEXT1 technology aims to offer a thermal level of performance equivalent to that of Mark III Flex+ technology while using two metallic barriers to deliver significant performance improvements, while using proven materials and components.
Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, stated: “The approvals from Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register for our GTT NEXT1 LNG cargo containment system demonstrate our unwavering commitment to innovation and technological excellence. We are proud to present this cutting-edge solution, which combines the best of our proven technologies with new advancements, ensuring optimal performance and improved reliability for the transportation of liquefied natural gas.”
Panos Mitrou, Gas Segment Director, at Lloyd’s Register, said: “In the GTT NEXT1 LNG cargo containment system, GTT combines the strengths of Mark III and NO96 technology, creating a membrane system that sets a new standard in efficiency and reliability. This General Approval signifies readiness for GTT NEXT1 containment system application on Lloyd’s Register Class ships.”
When it comes to GTT’s recent activities, it is worth noting that the company’s investment fund participated in a €4 million financing round to support the development of CryoCollect, an engineering company specialized in gas handling technologies for biomethane, carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen.
GTT’s investment fund recently also supported Energo, the French start-up that developed a technology based on the plasma catalysis process, which enables the production of renewable energies such as green hydrogen, biofuels or methane from CO2, biogas, and ammonia.