ON Tuesday, NAPA, a maritime software developer, announced it would install its performance-monitoring software, ClassNK-NAPA GREEN, onto three LNG carriers that ship LNG from Australia.
Two of the LNG carriers are used to carry LNG produced by the Ichthys LNG project in Darwin, while the third vessel services the Prelude LNG project.
NAPA’s software provides live sea trial results to operators throughout an LNG carrier’s working life, while verifying technical performance, monitoring speed and fuel consumption and testing the validity of shipbuilders’ promises.
INPEX transportation group manager Akihiko Itoh said it is vital for a software company to take into account the extreme complexities of an LNG carrier.
“From system configuration to setting KPIs, NAPA’S in-depth LNG knowledge, spanning design, engineering and operations enables us to effectively collaborate with them for transplant fleet performance and voyage reporting that delivers genuine value,” he said.
Ichthys can produce 8.9m tonnes of LNG annually and supplies the world’s largest importer of LNG, Japan. Ichthys is projected to be in operation for the next 40 years.
NAPA executive vice-president of shipping solutions Naoki Mizutani said Ichthys is changing the fundamentals of LNG production and that NAPA is proud to service the project.
“ClassNK-NAPA GREEN also helps to increase awareness of environmental factors to increase vessel safety,” Mr Mizutani said.
“This capability was tested during the first shipment when a heavy storm approached from east of the route. However, the ship made it safely past and was able to safely navigate away from the waves as high as 10 metres that were in close proximity.”
