Longevity Study
BGT’s objective is to extend the life of the fleet to at least 2020. Two longevity studies have been conducted as explained below and on the attachment.
Originally, in 1994, BGT appointed Lloyd’s Register as the third party class society (BGT Vessels are classed by ABS) to conduct a longevity study on the BGT fleet. Lloyd’s Register performed extensive inspection surveys, as well as reviews of maintenance records and a stress/fatigue analysis for both the hull and cargo containment systems. The final survey assessment by Lloyd’s Register concluded that the BGT fleet was considered to be equivalent to a 5-year old vessel from the structural point of view, and that the vessels would be suitable for operation up to at least year 2010.
Secondly, considering the BGT objective for life expectancy of the fleet up to at least 2020, to reevaluate the past maintenance records and to make a comparison between the vessels’ condition in 1994 and 2005, BGT again appointed Lloyd’s Register to perform a longevity study in 2005. The study was mainly carried out during the regular dry-dock period of LNG Libra, at MHI Nagasaki from June 6th to July 6th, 2005; utilizing similar procedures and concepts as those utilized during the previous study performed in 1994. Upon completion of the survey, BGT received comprehensive reports of ship inspection, hull structure, machinery and cargo, CAP-fatigue and a summary. The LNG Libra study will be carried forward to the rest of the vessels in the fleet.
BGT is now on a process to establish a refurbishment plan and a long term maintenance plan taking the Lloyd’s recommendations and suggestions into consideration to cover the period up to at least 2020.
