In the summer of 2017, Damen Shiprepair Brest once again had the opportunity to demonstrate its specialist expertise in working on large LNG carriers. This time the vessel was the 290-metre, 101,000 'GT GDF SUEZ POINT FORTIN'. Delivered in 2010, she is owned by a consortium led by Mitsui OSK Lines and is operated by MOL LNG Transport (Europe) Ltd for GDF Suez Energy.

The works

In a period of just two weeks, the DSBr team in cooperation with external inspectors carried out a full, in-water survey using divers, and full Class surveys were carried out on the main boilers. Other minor maintenance jobs included changing the mooring cables from wire to rope and the replacement of a radar dome.

The challenges of repairing gassed-up LNG carriers

Performing repairs and maintenance work on an LNG carrier when it is gassed up is necessarily governed by a tough code of regulations and procedures to ensure the highest safety standards. DSBr is one of just a few yards in Europe certified to undertake works on LNG carriers under these circumstances.

The 'GDF SUEZ POINT FORTIN' has a trapezoidal shaped number one tank that provides capacity for 2,000m3 of LNG and a reinforced ribbed membrane Gaztransport & Technigaz Mark III cargo containment system for the balance of the cargo. To comply with the rules for working on an LNG carrier when gassed-up, DSBr undertook an extensive programme of preparations before the maintenance can get underway. For the 'GDF SUEZ POINT FORTIN' these included obtaining the necessary permissions from the port authority and agreeing the scope of works with the client prior to arrival. Good communications between all the parties involved ensured that the yard was ready for the vessel on the due date and the works completed within the scheduled time and, indeed, the vessel was back at sea and fully operational two weeks after her arrival in Brest.

The 'GDF SUEZ POINT FORTIN' has a trapezoidal shaped number one tank that provides capacity for 2,000m3 of LNG and a reinforced ribbed membrane Gaztransport & Technigaz Mark III cargo containment system for the balance of the cargo. To comply with the rules for working on an LNG carrier when gassed-up, DSBr undertook an extensive programme of preparations before the maintenance can get underway. For the 'GDF SUEZ POINT FORTIN' these included obtaining the necessary permissions from the port authority and agreeing the scope of works with the client prior to arrival. Good communications between all the parties involved ensured that the yard was ready for the vessel on the due date and the works completed within the scheduled time and, indeed, the vessel was back at sea and fully operational two weeks after her arrival in Brest.

Strategic location / strong track record

Located on the western-most point of mainland France, DSBr is strategically located for easy access from both the Atlantic and the North and Baltic Seas via La Manche / the English Channel. Previous visits by LNG carriers for maintenance and repairs include the 290-metre Gaselys earlier in 2017 for a renewal survey. The yard has also worked on the Gaselys’ sister ship the Provalys and on other LNG carriers such as the Global Energy and the Tellier.

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