First AIP Approval
STX Offshore & Shipbuilding will begin targeting the LNG bunkering shuttle market, which provides LNG fuel to LNG propulsion ships at sea.
On October 22 at Kormarine 2013 held in Busan’s BEXCO, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding announced that it acquired AIP approval from the French classification company BV for its original LNG bunkering shuttle.
AIP certification is an approval process for the suitability of a basic shipbuilding design, which means STX can now receive orders for its LNG bunkering shuttles.
STX developed the LNG bunkering shuttle to provide fuel to LNG propulsion ships on the sea, but the shuttle is actually multi-functional, able to provide HFO as well.
The cabin is located on the prow, so the navigator can get a clear view. It has both an Azimuth Thruster and a tunnel thruster for propelling, making direction control easy inside a crowded harbor. Thus, it can dock alongside a pier without tug boats, reducing operating costs.