Libæk has plenty of experience in launching new concepts. Many people have made losses by introducing new concepts too early. However, when it comes to this project, developed by DNV's Pål G. Bergan and his team, the experienced shipbroker is in no doubt: "The timing is perfect."

"There is now a huge demand in the market for FSO (Floating Storage and Offloading) and FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offshore Loading) vessels. An FSO or FPSO is exposed to different forces than an ordinary ship, which has to move forwards in all kinds of weather and waves. We've seen that this is a logical place for the concept to begin."

It is most interesting to see how this project has developed over the last three years; starting with concept benchmarking against panamax bulkcarriers to the present identification of a whole range of exciting application areas. "The concept is no doubt commercially viable," says Libæk. Over the past 18ñ24 months we have seen sharp rises in newbuilding prices and in the value of second-hand ships. These are now in short supply. This is at the same time ideal for the sandwich project."

Faster, cheaper and stronger
In Libæk's opinion, two factors in particular make the sandwich concept commercially viable: its price and delivery time.

"The first sandwich FSO may well be ready for delivery at the end of 2007. With material costs reduced by around 30 percent and a lifetime of 30-40 years for each unit, the concept is clearly competitive. I can see that this technology has an immediate potential for FSOs and FPSOs, and soon also for LNG gasification and regasification facilities.

These ships, which will have a light concrete core, are also very simple and quick to build, and do not necessarily have to be built at traditional shipyards. They do not require propulsion machinery and the topside is containerised and uncomplicated to put in place. Cargo handling and ballast handling are bought in ready-made packages.

Existing newbuilding yards that build 200,000-500,000 dwt ships and offshore FSOs are fully booked and can only deliver towards the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009. However, in for example the Barents Sea there are oil fields that will require storage in 2007. Libæk reports a firm interest from field developers, shipowners and builders.
"They can't wait until 2009," says Libæk.

Dr. Pål G. Bergan's idea
The concrete sandwich idea was conceived by Dr. Pål G. Bergan in DNV Research about five years ago. The concept has been further developed during the past three years in a strategic research project together with Aker Yards ASA where DNV has focused on technology development and Aker Yards has studied the potential for efficient fabrication and implementation in different types of ships. Recently a series of laboratory tests of component fatigue and strength were completed. The tests showed that the composite materials are superior to today's welded steel structures. The tests showed remarkable performance of sandwich components both with respect to strength and fatigue behaviour.

A more comprehensive, formal technology qualification project will be finished by the end of this year.