A concept study for a natural gas hydrate propulsion ship with a fresh water supply function

Natural Gas Hydrate (NGH) is noted as an alternative for lowering the cost of establishing a natural gas supply chain. However, despite many studies, the vessels carrying NGH still remain at the concept level because requirements for exclusive ships, piers and unloading facilities, including sintering, threaten the economic feasibility. From another perspective, water shortages are becoming a larger issue around the world. At the same time, many of these water shortage countries operate large ports. In this regard, this study focused on fresh water, which is 70% of NGH after the regasification process. Though NGH is disadvantageous in terms of energy storage efficiency compared to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), it can be used not only for fuel but also for ship ballast and fresh water supply. In this study, an NGH propulsion ship equipped with a fresh water supply function was conceptually designed via a simplified systems engineering process using a business model as a system analysis and control tool.