Croatian shipbuilder Brodosplit has committed to build four LNG-powered container ships to DNV GL class. The 2,000teu vessels were ordered by Brodosplit Shipping Company and are planned to be used for long-term charter. The first of the four ships is scheduled for delivery in November 2017.

"By building these ships we enter a market niche that will enable sustainable business operation, bigger engagement of capacities and acquisition of references for building of ships that will be in higher demand in near future," says Tomislav Debeljak, CEO of Brodosplit and owner of Brodosplit Shipping Company.

"DNV GL experts were involved from the design phase and worked very closely with Brodosplit to realize this project. We are very pleased with the cooperation and look forward to continuing our work together in the future," says Ivo Siljic, Senior Lead Surveyor at DNV GL – Maritime.

With an individual deadweight of 24,000 dwt, the vessels will be over 184 meters long and 27.5 meters wide. They are powered by LNG and reach speeds of up to 18 knots. The container vessels feature two-stroke dual fuel (LNG/MGO) engines that have higher efficiency and work at lower rpm, resulting in less maintenance costs and longer life span. The engines will be made by Brodosplit's diesel engine factory, under the license of MAN, as well as the special tanks for liquefied natural gas.