Vessel, method, and fuel tank

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fuel tank (1) for a vessel (10). The fuel tank (1) includes an airtight manhole (2) located in an upper portion of the fuel tank (1) and configured to be accessed from above the fuel tank (1) when the fuel tank (1) is in its operating position, providing access to the fuel tank. The fuel tank (1) is a single-shell fuel tank and includes a tank connection space (4) located in an end (5) or side (6) of the fuel tank. The tank connection space (4) includes an airtight compartment including a tank penetration (42) for fuel and a tank valve (43). The fuel tank (1) is provided with an auxiliary housing (7) that covers the manhole (2) and defines a first space (8) between the manhole (2) and the auxiliary housing (7), forming an airtight compartment that isolates the first space (8) from a tank holding space (9). An entrance to the tank connection space (9) is provided through a second space (19). Ventilation openings are provided in the auxiliary housing (7), the tank connection space (9) and the second space (19).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to marine vessels, and more particularly to fuel tanks and methods associated with marine vessels. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuels used on ships, such as hydrocarbon gases or ammonia, may themselves be hazardous and / or explosive or may mix with, for example, air to form hazardous and / or explosive mixtures or compounds. This must be taken into account when designing structures that store fuel, such as fuel tanks. In particular, all penetrations, such as pipelines, meters, and manholes, in the outer shell of a fuel tank are considered potential leak hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel fuel tank, vessel, and method.

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is achieved by a method and an apparatus having the features set forth in the independent claims. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0005] The present disclosure is based on a technical structure in which an auxiliary housing having airtightness and a ventilation function is provided to surround an airtight manhole of a fuel tank of a ship, and this auxiliary housing is separate from the tank connection space of the fuel tank.

[0006] An advantage of the disclosed method and apparatus is that it allows for a fuel tank having a more compact size, in particular a low (height) structure, compared to a fuel tank in which a manhole is provided in the tank connection space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a fuel tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of a fuel tank according to an embodiment, as viewed from an end of the fuel tank. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing details of a fuel tank according to an embodiment, as viewed from an end of the fuel tank. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel tank according to an embodiment as viewed from the side; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic end view of a fuel tank according to one embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a watercraft according to one embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a vessel according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of a vessel according to a further embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a method relating to a vessel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure relates to marine fuel tanks, marine vessels, and marine vessel-related methods.

[0009] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a fuel tank according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fuel tank according to an embodiment, seen from the end of the fuel tank, showing details of the fuel tank.

[0010] A fuel tank 1 for a vessel 10, including a hull 11 and a deck 12, includes an airtight manhole 2 disposed in an upper portion 3 of the fuel tank 1. The fuel tank 1 may include, for example, a hydrocarbon gas fuel tank or an ammonia fuel tank. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , for example, the manhole 2 is configured to provide access to the fuel tank 1 from above when the fuel tank 1 is in its in-use position. In other words, the manhole 2 is configured to allow an end user, such as a maintenance worker, to access the manhole 2, thereby allowing access to the interior of the fuel tank 1 from above. However, the manhole 2 is typically rarely used to access the fuel tank 1, and is typically only used during maintenance downtime.

[0011] The use position of the fuel tank 1 refers to the position of the fuel tank 1 when attached to the vessel 10. More specifically, the use position of the fuel tank 1 refers to the position of the fuel tank 1 when attached to the vessel 10 and when the vessel 10 is in a neutral position. Similarly, the use position of the vessel 10 refers to the position of the vessel 10 when the vessel 10 is in a neutral position. In other words, the use position of the fuel tank 1 or the vessel 10 does not refer to extreme positions of the fuel tank 1 or the vessel 10, for example, in changing weather conditions.

[0012] The disclosed fuel tank 1 is a single-shell fuel tank. The fuel tank 1 includes a tank connection space 4 provided at an end 5 or side 6 of the fuel tank. This tank connection space 4 includes an airtight compartment including a tank penetration 42 for fuel and a tank valve 43. In other words, the tank penetrations 42 for fuel and the tank valves 43, preferably all of the tank penetrations 42 for fuel and the tank valves 43, are provided within the tank connection space 4. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 includes a tank connection space 4 provided at an end 5 of the fuel tank 1. The tank connection space 4 provided at an end 5 of the fuel tank 1 refers to a tank connection space 4 that covers at least a part of the end 5 of the fuel tank 1. In other words, the tank connection space 4 may be partially limited by the end 5 of the fuel tank 1, for example on one side of the tank connection space 4. According to one embodiment, the tank connection space 4 provided at the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 can cover the entire end 5 of the fuel tank 1 and can cover only the end 5 of the fuel tank 1, in other words, it does not extend to the side 6, above the fuel tank 1, or below the fuel tank 1, more specifically to one or both of the side 6, or above or below the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1. According to one embodiment, the tank connection space 4 provided at the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 can cover the entire end 5 of the fuel tank 1 and can also extend to at least one region of the side 6 of the fuel tank 1, both sides 6 of the fuel tank 1, above the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1, and below the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1. According to one embodiment, the tank connection space 4 provided at the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 can cover the entire end 5 of the fuel tank 1 and can also extend to the region of at least one side 6 of the fuel tank 1, and can also extend above and / or below the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1. According to one embodiment, the tank connection space 4 provided at the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 may cover only a portion of the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 and may cover only a portion of the end 5 of the fuel tank 1. According to one embodiment, the tank connection space 4 provided at the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 may cover a portion of the end 5 of the fuel tank 1 and may further extend to at least one of the sides 6 of the fuel tank 1, both sides 6 of the fuel tank 1, above the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1, and below the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1.The tank connection space 4 provided in the side 6 of the fuel tank 1 refers to the tank connection space 4 covering at least a part of the side 6 of the fuel tank 1. In other words, the tank connection space 4 provided in the side 6 of the fuel tank 1 may extend above the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1 and / or below the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1 in addition to covering a part of the side 6. Such an embodiment may be advantageous since it allows the fuel tank 1 to be provided with a compact size, in particular by minimizing the height and width of the fuel tank.

[0013] The fuel tank 1 is further provided with an auxiliary housing 7, which covers the manhole 2 and defines a first space 8 between the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 7, providing access to the manhole 2. In other words, the auxiliary housing 7 is configured to cover the manhole 2. As a result, the auxiliary housing 7 is further configured to define a first space 8 between the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 7. The first space 8 extends at least around and above the manhole 2, and in a closed state, forms an airtight compartment that isolates the first space 8 from the tank holding space 9. In this way, the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 7 provide doubly protected access to the interior of the fuel tank 1. The interior of the fuel tank 1 is accessible first through the auxiliary housing 7 and then through the manhole 2, so that both are airtight when closed, defining the first space 8 therebetween.

[0014] The tank holding space 9 includes a space surrounding the fuel tank 1, the tank connection space 4, and the auxiliary housing 7. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 is provided below the deck 12, and the tank holding space 9 includes a space surrounding the fuel tank 1, the tank connection space 4, and the auxiliary housing 7.

[0015] According to one embodiment, both the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 7 comprise airtight covers 27, 28, respectively. This is best shown in Figure 3, which shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a detail of a fuel tank according to one embodiment, seen from the end of the fuel tank. By airtight, the manhole cover 27 and the auxiliary housing cover 28 means that the manhole cover 27 and the auxiliary housing cover are configured to be airtight. Ventilation of the airtight auxiliary housing 7 and the first space 8 is provided to ensure safety in case of a leak in the airtight structure.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the airtight manhole cover 27 and the airtight auxiliary housing cover 28 may be arranged alternately at intervals in the direction of movement, which direction refers to the direction in which the manhole 2 is configured to be accessible through the auxiliary housing 7. According to one embodiment, the manhole cover 27 and the auxiliary housing cover 28 are arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction 26.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least the auxiliary housing cover 28 includes a maintenance hatch, which is lockingly attached to the remainder of the auxiliary housing 7 by bolts 29. According to one embodiment, at least one of the bolts 29 is locked in a closed position by welding. In other words, the maintenance hatch may be lockingly attached to the remainder of the auxiliary housing 7 by locking at least one bolt 29 in a closed position by welding. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary housing cover 28 includes a separate locking device (not shown) for locking the cover in a closed position in addition to or instead of the at least one bolt 29 being locked in a closed position. In other words, the maintenance hatch may be lockingly attached to the remainder of the auxiliary housing 7 by a separate locking device. Such a locking device may include, for example, a padlock-type lock using a specific key that can only be accessed by authorized personnel.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the secondary housing cover 28 is attached by a mounting flange 30 and bolts 29 that are attached through the mounting flange 30 .

[0019] According to one embodiment, the manhole cover 27 includes a maintenance hatch similar to the embodiment or combination of embodiments disclosed in connection with the auxiliary housing cover 28. According to a further embodiment, the manhole cover 27 includes a hatch that is welded to the rest of the structure of the manhole 2 instead of or in addition to being bolted on.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the manhole cover 27 and / or the auxiliary housing cover 28 are designed to be removable or unmountable as a unit, but require special equipment for removal, i.e., equipment different from equipment designed for removing, for example, bolts. In other words, the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 7 may be configured to be accessible, but access requires specific tools or equipment, or accessibility is otherwise limited. According to one embodiment, the manhole cover 27 and / or the auxiliary housing cover 28 are designed to be remountable after removal or detachment. According to one embodiment, the weld locks of the manhole cover 27 and / or the auxiliary housing cover 28 may be configured to form a seal that visually indicates whether the cover 27, 28 has been opened.

[0021] The auxiliary housing 7 is provided with a first ventilation inlet 13 configured to connect the first space 8 to an inlet ventilation pipe 14, and a first ventilation outlet 15 configured to connect the first space 8 to an outlet ventilation pipe 16. In this way, both the auxiliary housing 7 and the manhole 2 are formed as airtight structures, and the first space 8 provided between the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 7 is ventilated via the first ventilation inlet 13 and the first ventilation outlet 15.

[0022] The tank connection space 4 is provided with a second ventilation inlet 17 configured to connect the tank connection space 4 to the inlet ventilation pipe 14 and a second ventilation outlet 18 configured to connect the tank connection space 4 to the outlet ventilation pipe 16.

[0023] An entrance to the tank connection space 4 is provided through the second space 19. The second space 19 comprises an airtight compartment and is provided with a third ventilation inlet 20 configured to connect the second space 19 to the inlet ventilation pipe 14 and a third ventilation outlet 21 configured to connect the second space 19 to the outlet ventilation pipe 16.

[0024] According to one embodiment, ventilation is provided to the auxiliary housing 7, the tank connection space 4 and the second space 19. Preferably, the ventilation to the auxiliary housing 7, the tank connection space 4 and the second space 19 is configured to be arranged and / or controlled separately so that the ventilation for each space 8, 4, 19 can be determined and controlled individually according to different needs and requirements. This can be provided by providing separate ventilation inlet piping 14 and / or separate ventilation outlet piping 16 for the auxiliary housing 7, the tank connection space 4 and the second space 19. Thus, despite the use of the same reference numerals for the ventilation inlet piping 14 and the ventilation outlet piping 16, the ventilation inlet piping 14 and / or the ventilation outlet piping 16 for each of the auxiliary housing 7, the tank connection space 4 and the second space 19 can comprise separate piping that is not connected to one another.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the outlet ventilation piping 16 is isolated from the tank holding space 9. In other words, the contents of the outlet ventilation piping 16 are isolated from the tank holding space 9, which surrounds the fuel tank 1, the tank connection space 4, and the auxiliary housing 7. According to one embodiment, the outlet ventilation piping 16 is configured to direct the exiting air from the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and the second space 19, respectively, to the ambient air outside the tank holding space 9. In some embodiments, the outlet ventilation piping 16 may include separate pipes or lines for the exiting air from the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and the second space 19, which are not connected to each other, or two or more pipes or lines connected to the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and / or the second space 19 may be connected to each other at a point within the tank holding space 9 or outside the hull 11 of the vessel 10.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first space 8 and the tank connection space 4 at least partially share the outlet ventilation piping 16. In other words, at least a part of the outlet ventilation piping 16 connected to the first ventilation outlet 15 and the outlet ventilation piping 16 connected to the second ventilation outlet 18 may be connected to one pipe or line. According to one embodiment, a branch 23 connecting the ventilation outlet piping 16 connected to the first ventilation outlet 15 and the ventilation outlet piping 16 connected to the second ventilation outlet 18 is provided downstream of the first ventilation outlet 15 and the second ventilation outlet 18. In other words, the branch 23 connecting the ventilation outlet piping 16 connected to the first ventilation outlet 15 and the ventilation outlet piping 16 connected to the second ventilation outlet 18 may be provided downstream of the first space 8 and the tank connection space 4. Thus, the branch 23 may be provided outside the first space 8 and the tank connection space 4.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the inlet ventilation piping 14 is isolated from the tank holding space 9. In other words, the contents of the inlet ventilation piping 14 are isolated from the tank holding space 9. According to one embodiment, the inlet ventilation piping 14 is configured to direct incoming air to the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and the second space 19, respectively. Depending on the embodiment, the inlet ventilation piping 14 may include separate pipes or lines for the incoming air to the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and the second space 19, which may not be connected to each other at all, or two or more pipes or lines connected to the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and / or the second space 19 may connect to each other at a point within the tank holding space 9 or outside the hull 11 of the vessel 10.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first space 8 and the tank connection space 4 at least partially share the inlet ventilation piping 14. In other words, at least a portion of the inlet ventilation piping 14 connected to the first ventilation inlet 13 and the inlet ventilation piping 14 connected to the second ventilation inlet 17 may be connected to one pipe or line. According to one embodiment, a branch 23 connecting the ventilation inlet piping 14 connected to the first ventilation inlet 13 and the ventilation inlet piping 14 connected to the second ventilation outlet 17 is provided upstream of the first ventilation inlet 13 and the second ventilation outlet 17. In other words, the branch 23 connecting the ventilation inlet piping 14 connected to the first ventilation inlet 13 and the ventilation inlet piping 14 connected to the second ventilation outlet 17 may be provided upstream of the first space 8 and the tank connection space 4. Thus, the branch 23 may be provided outside the first space 8 and the tank connection space 4.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first space 8 is configured to be ventilated, i.e. to have at least 10 air changes per hour via the first ventilation inlet 13 and the first ventilation outlet 15. In other words, an amount of air corresponding to at least 10 times the volume of the first space 8 can be supplied to the first space 8 via the first ventilation inlet 13 and exhausted from the first space 8 via the first ventilation outlet 15 per hour. According to one embodiment, the first space 8 is configured to have at least 30 air changes per hour via the first ventilation inlet 13 and the first ventilation outlet 15. According to one embodiment, the first space 8 is ventilated and configured to have at least 10 air changes, preferably at least 30 air changes per hour, continuously during normal operation of the fuel tank 1.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the ventilation comprises suction ventilation. More specifically, ventilation of the first space 8, the tank connection space 4, and / or the second space 19 may be configured to be provided by suction. In other words, rather than supplying pressurized air to the first ventilation inlet 13, the second ventilation inlet 17, and / or the third ventilation inlet 20, respectively, ventilation may be performed by supplying suction, i.e., negative pressure, to the first ventilation outlet 15, the second ventilation outlet 18, and / or the third ventilation outlet 21.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first ventilation outlet 15 and / or the ventilation outlet piping 16 connected to the first ventilation outlet 15 is provided with a gas detector 22 configured to detect a leak from the fuel tank 1 into the first space 8. In other words, the gas detector 22 may be provided in fluid connection with the first ventilation outlet 15. This may be beneficial as it allows for early detection of a leak from the fuel tank 1 into the first space 8 and allows maintenance workers to ensure safety before entering the first space 8 to access the manhole 2 and / or the fuel tank 1.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary housing 7 is provided with a drain outlet 24 including an automatic closing valve 25 for draining condensed water from the first space 8 using the automatic closing valve 25. According to one embodiment, the automatic closing valve 25 may comprise a cryogenic automatic closing valve.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the manhole 2 is configured to allow access in the vertical direction 26 from above the fuel tank 1 when the fuel tank 1 is in its use position. In other words, the manhole 2 may be configured to allow direct access from above the manhole 2, or may be configured to allow direct access from substantially above the manhole 2.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the manhole 2 may be configured to allow access from above the fuel tank 1 in its in-use position in a direction angled relative to the vertical direction 26. In other words, the direction from which the manhole 2 is configured to be accessed may differ from the vertical by an angle (not shown). According to such an embodiment, the manhole 2 may be configured to allow access from directions at angles of up to 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction 26. Direct access to the manhole 2 from above in the vertical direction 26, or access to the manhole 2 from directions ranging from 0 degrees to 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction 26, may be beneficial, for example, for the safety of maintenance workers accessing the manhole.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary housing 7 comprises a double plate 31 attached to the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1 and configured to at least partially conform to the shape of the surface 33 of the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1. An example of such an embodiment is shown schematically in Figure 3.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 is configured to hold a liquefied gas. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 may be configured to hold a hydrocarbon gas or ammonia.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank is configured to meet the requirements of the relevant ATEX Directive (e.g. 2014 / 34 / EU), for example the requirements of the relevant equipment category.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of a fuel tank according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows a schematic end view of a fuel tank according to one embodiment. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the shape resembles a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners. However, fuel tank 1 as disclosed in the present disclosure may, and often does, include a circular or elliptical cross-section instead of the rounded rectangular shape shown in FIG. 5. Thus, FIGS. 4 and 5 are provided only to illustrate some features of the shape of fuel tank 1, and the actual shape of fuel tank 1 may differ from the shape of FIGS. 4 and 5, such as FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 has an elongated shape. According to one embodiment, the maximum height 34 of the fuel tank 1 is 1.5 times or less the maximum width 35 of the fuel tank. According to one embodiment, the maximum height 34 of the fuel tank 1 is in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the maximum width 35 of the fuel tank. According to another embodiment, the maximum height of the fuel tank 1 is equal to or less than the maximum width 35 of the fuel tank 1. Such a fuel tank 1 can be advantageous because it can be formed with a relatively low height and narrow width relative to the total internal volume of the fuel tank 1. Such an elongated shape of the fuel tank 1 can be easily achieved by providing a relatively low manhole 2 and auxiliary housing 7 at the top 3 of the fuel tank 1 and a separate tank connection space 4 at the end 5 of the fuel tank 1, which necessarily requires a larger internal space. An advantage of such an elongated fuel tank 1 is that it can be easily positioned within a vessel 10, for example, because the vessel 10 also typically has an elongated shape.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 has at least a portion in the shape of a solid of revolution. In other words, at least a portion of the fuel tank 1 may include the shape of a solid of revolution. According to one embodiment, the interior of the outer shell 32 of the fuel tank 1, i.e., the volume of the fuel tank 1 configured to contain fuel, may have a capsule shape with a narrowed center, a spherical cylindrical shape, or a peanut shape. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank extends in the axial direction of the solid of revolution.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the maximum length 36 of the fuel tank 1 is in the range of 2 to 8 times the maximum diameter 37 of the fuel tank 1 measured transverse to the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank 1 .

[0042] In this disclosure, the height 34 of the fuel tank 1 refers to the maximum dimension of the fuel tank 1 in the vertical direction 26 when the fuel tank 1 is in its in-use position. Similarly, the width 35 of the fuel tank 1 refers to the maximum dimension of the fuel tank 1 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank 1 when the fuel tank 1 is in its in-use position. Depending on the shape of the fuel tank 1 and its cross-section, the maximum diameter 37 may include the height 34 and / or the width 35 of the fuel tank 1, or a diameter measured in another direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank 1.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 is configured to be mounted on support structures 39 that support the fuel tank 1. These support structures 39 may be provided as integral parts of the fuel tank 1 or the vessel 10, or as separate structural components configured to be attached to the vessel 10.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank 1 is substantially horizontal in the position of use of the fuel tank 1. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank 1 is substantially horizontal in the position of use of the vessel 10.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the volume of the fuel tank 1 is 100 to 3000 m 3 In another embodiment, the volume of the fuel tank 1 is in the range of 300 to 2000 m 3 According to a further embodiment, the volume of the fuel tank is at least 300 m 3 In other words, the fuel tank 1 disclosed in the present invention refers to a large fuel tank used in a large ship 10.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary housing 7 is provided on the top of the fuel tank 1. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary housing 7 may be provided on the top surface of the fuel tank. In other words, the auxiliary housing 7 may be provided at the height of the top center line 40 of the fuel tank 1. According to another embodiment, the auxiliary housing 7 may be provided on the top of the fuel tank 1 so as to extend at an angle of 30 degrees to either side of the top center line 40 of the fuel tank 1, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction 38 of the fuel tank 1. In other words, the auxiliary housing 7 is provided on the top surface of the fuel tank 1 and / or within the surface area of ​​the fuel tank 1 so as to extend at an angle of up to 30 degrees to one or both sides of the top center line 40 of the fuel tank 1.

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the fuel tank gauges (not shown) is provided in the first space 8. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the fuel tank gauges is provided in the tank connection space 4. In other words, at least a portion of the fuel tank gauges may be provided in the first space 8 and / or in the tank connection space 4. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank gauges are not provided in the first space 8. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank gauges may include at least one of a liquid level gauge and a gas temperature measuring device. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank gauges may also include other gauges.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 is adapted to hold a liquefied gas. According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 is adapted to hold a hydrocarbon gas or ammonia.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the access between the second space 19 and the tank connection space 4 may be bolted. According to one embodiment, the second space 19 may comprise a basic airlock space. According to one embodiment, the access to the second space may be configured to be closed by a lock suitable for the basic airlock space. Such an embodiment may be advantageous since the tank connection space 4 is typically accessed more frequently than the first space 8 and may also need to be accessed during operation of the fuel tank 1.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the tank-connection space 4 is configured to be accessible via the second space 19. According to one embodiment, access to the second space 19 and / or the tank-connection space 4 may be provided by a cover (not shown), such as a hatch or a door. According to one embodiment, the second space 19 and the tank-connection space 4 both comprise airtight covers, the airtight second space covers and the airtight tank-connection space covers being arranged alternately at intervals in the direction of movement.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second space cover and the tank connection space cover are arranged vertically one on top of the other. According to one embodiment, the second space cover and / or the tank connection space cover may include a maintenance hatch that is lockingly attached to the rest of the structure by bolts. According to one embodiment, at least one of the bolts is locked in the closed position by welding. According to one embodiment, the second space cover and / or the tank connection space cover may further include a separate locking device for locking the cover in the closed position.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second space cover and / or the tank connection space cover may be attached by means of a mounting flange and bolts attached through the mounting flange.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the second space cover and / or the tank connection space cover are designed to be removable or detachable as a single unit. According to one embodiment, removal or detachment may require special equipment, i.e., equipment different from equipment designed for removing, for example, bolts, etc. In other words, the second space 19 and the tank connection space 4 may be accessible, but access requires specific tools or equipment, or accessibility is limited in some other way. According to one embodiment, the second space cover and / or the tank connection space cover may be designed to be reattachable after removal or detachment. According to one embodiment, the weld lock of the second space cover and / or the tank connection space cover may be configured to form a seal that visually indicates whether the cover has been opened.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the tank connection space is configured to be accessible from an end 5 or a side 6 of the fuel tank 1 .

[0055] According to one embodiment, the tank connection space 4 may be configured to be accessible from above the fuel tank 1. This may be beneficial in terms of safety for maintenance and operating personnel who require access to the tank connection space 4.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 may include a cryogenic design.

[0057] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a watercraft according to one embodiment, Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a watercraft according to one embodiment, and Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a watercraft according to a further embodiment.

[0058] The vessel 10 may include a hull 11, a deck 12, and a fuel tank 1 according to the embodiments disclosed herein and in the accompanying drawings, and in the claims, or a combination of such embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the vessel 10 includes numerous other structural and functional components that are not relevant to this disclosure and thus will not be disclosed in greater detail herein.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the fuel tank 1 may be located within the hull 11 of the vessel 10 and below the deck 12. According to one embodiment, the vessel 10 may include a second fuel tank 41 below the deck 12. According to one embodiment, the fuel tanks 1, 41 may be located side by side. According to a further embodiment, the fuel tanks 1, 41 may at least partially share a common ventilation opening. According to one embodiment, the fuel tanks 1, 41 at least partially share a ventilation inlet pipe 14 and / or a ventilation outlet pipe 16. According to another embodiment, the ventilation inlet pipe 14 of the first fuel tank 1 is completely separate from the ventilation inlet pipe of the second fuel tank 41. Similarly, according to one embodiment, the ventilation outlet pipe 16 of the first fuel tank 1 is completely separate from the ventilation outlet pipe of the second fuel tank 41. In other words, the ventilation inlet pipe 14 and / or the ventilation outlet pipe 16 of the first fuel tank 1 and the second fuel tank 41 may be completely separate, may share, or may partially share, depending on the embodiment.

[0060] According to one embodiment, at least one fuel tank 1 , 41 is provided in a tank holding space 9 of the vessel 10 and is configured to be mounted on a support structure 39 that supports the fuel tank 1 .

[0061] According to one embodiment, the entire tank holding space 9 is located below deck. In other words, the tank holding space 9 may be defined within the hull 11 and below deck 12 around the fuel tanks 1, 41, the tank holding space 9, the auxiliary housing 7, and the second space 19.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the vessel 10 comprises a vessel classified under the IGF or IGC codes.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a method in relation to a vessel.

[0064] According to any embodiment or combination of embodiments disclosed herein, the accompanying drawings, and the claims, a method relating to a marine vessel 10 including a hull 11, a deck 12, and a fuel tank includes a step 91 of isolating a tank connection space 4 to form an airtight compartment including a tank penetration 42 for fuel and a tank valve 43. The method also includes a step 93 of providing an auxiliary housing 7 covering a manhole 2 and limiting a first space 8 between the manhole 2 and the auxiliary housing 2, the first space 8 extending at least around and above the manhole. The method further includes a step 95 of configuring the auxiliary housing to form an airtight compartment, when closed, that isolates the first space 8 from a tank holding space 9, which may surround the fuel tank 1, the tank connection space 4, and the auxiliary housing 7. According to one embodiment, the tank holding space 9 may surround the fuel tank 1, the tank connection space 4, and the auxiliary housing 7 below the deck 12.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of ventilating the first space 8 via the first ventilation inlet 13 and the first ventilation outlet 15 at a rate of at least 30 air changes per hour.

Claims

1. A fuel tank for a marine vessel including a hull and a deck, the fuel tank including an airtight manhole located in an upper portion of the fuel tank and configured to provide access to the fuel tank from above the fuel tank when the fuel tank is in a position of use; The fuel tank is a single-shell fuel tank, the fuel tank includes a tank connection space provided at an end or side of the fuel tank, the tank connection space including an airtight compartment including a tank penetration for fuel and a tank valve; an auxiliary housing is provided on the fuel tank, the auxiliary housing covering the manhole and defining a first space between the manhole and the auxiliary housing to provide access to the manhole, the first space extending at least around and over the manhole and, in a closed state, forming an airtight compartment isolating the first space from a tank holding space, the tank holding space surrounding the fuel tank, the tank connection space, and the auxiliary housing; the auxiliary housing is provided with a first ventilation inlet configured to connect the first space to an inlet ventilation pipe and a first ventilation outlet configured to connect the first space to an outlet ventilation pipe; the tank connection space is provided with a second ventilation inlet configured to connect the tank connection space to an inlet ventilation pipe, and a second ventilation outlet configured to connect the tank connection space to an outlet ventilation pipe; an inlet to the tank connection space is provided through a second space, the second space including an airtight compartment, and a third ventilation inlet configured to connect the second space to an inlet ventilation pipe, and a third ventilation outlet configured to connect the second space to an outlet ventilation pipe; Both the manhole and the auxiliary housing include airtight covers, and the airtight manhole covers and the airtight auxiliary housing covers are alternately provided at intervals in the direction of movement. Fuel tank.

2. 2. The fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the outlet ventilation piping is isolated from the tank holding space and is configured to direct the outflowing air from the first space, the tank connection space, and the second space to the outside air outside the tank holding space.

3. 3. The fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the first volume is configured to be ventilated at least 10 times per hour via the first ventilation inlet and the first ventilation outlet.

4. 4. The fuel tank of claim 3, wherein the first volume is configured to receive at least 30 ventilations per hour via the first ventilation inlet and the first ventilation outlet.

5. 5. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the ventilation comprises aspirated ventilation.

6. 6. The fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation outlet piping connected to the first ventilation outlet and / or the first ventilation inlet is provided with a gas detector configured to detect leakage from the fuel tank into the first space.

7. 7. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first space and the tank connection space at least partially share an outlet vent pipe.

8. 8. The fuel tank according to claim 7, wherein a branch portion connecting the ventilation outlet pipe connected to the first ventilation outlet and the ventilation outlet pipe connected to the second ventilation outlet is provided downstream of the first ventilation outlet and the second ventilation outlet.

9. The fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary housing is provided with a drain port including an automatic closing valve for draining condensed water from the first space using the automatic closing valve.

10. 10. The fuel tank of claim 9, wherein the self-closing valve comprises a cryogenic self-closing valve.

11. 11. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the manhole is configured to allow vertical access from above the fuel tank when the fuel tank is in the use position.

12. 11. A fuel tank as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the manhole is configured to be accessible from above the fuel tank at an angle to the vertical when the fuel tank is in its in-use position.

13. 13. A fuel tank according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the manhole is configured to be accessible from a direction at an angle of up to 45 degrees to the vertical.

14. 14. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the manhole cover and the auxiliary housing cover are provided vertically one on top of the other.

15. 15. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein at least the auxiliary housing cover includes a maintenance hatch lockingly attached to the auxiliary housing by bolts.

16. 16. The fuel tank of claim 15, wherein the secondary housing cover is attached by a mounting flange and bolts that pass through the mounting flange.

17. 17. A fuel tank according to claim 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the bolts is locked in the closed position by welding.

18. 18. A fuel tank as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the secondary housing cover includes a separate locking device for locking the cover in a closed position.

19. 19. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the secondary housing comprises a double plate attached to an outer shell of the fuel tank and configured to at least partially conform to the shape of a surface of the outer shell of the fuel tank.

20. 20. A fuel tank as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fuel tank is configured to hold a liquefied gas.

21. 21. The fuel tank of claim 20, wherein the fuel tank is configured to hold a hydrocarbon gas or ammonia.

22. 22. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuel tank has an elongated shape.

23. 23. A fuel tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel tank includes a tank connection space provided at an end of the fuel tank.

24. 24. A fuel tank as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the maximum height of the fuel tank is no more than 1.5 times the maximum width of the fuel tank.

25. 25. The fuel tank of claim 24, wherein the maximum height of the fuel tank is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the maximum width of the fuel tank.

26. 26. A fuel tank as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the maximum length of the fuel tank is in the range 2 to 8 times the maximum diameter of the fuel tank measured transverse to the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank.

27. 27. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuel tank has at least partly the shape of a solid of revolution.

28. 28. The fuel tank according to claim 27, wherein the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank extends in the axial direction of the rotor.

29. 29. A fuel tank as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fuel tank is adapted to be mounted to a support structure which supports the fuel tank.

30. 30. A fuel tank as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank is substantially horizontal when the fuel tank is in its position of use.

31. The fuel tank capacity is 100 to 3000 m ３ 31. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 30, in the range of

32. The volume of the fuel tank is 300 to 2000 m ３ 32. The fuel tank of claim 31, wherein the range is:

33. The fuel tank has a capacity of at least 300 m ３ 33. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein:

34. 34. The fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary housing is provided on the top of the fuel tank so as to extend at an angle of 30 degrees on both sides of an upper center line of the fuel tank that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank.

35. 35. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of a fuel tank gauge is provided within the first space.

36. 35. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein no fuel tank gauge is provided within the first volume.

37. 37. A fuel tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of a fuel tank gauge is provided within the tank connection space.

38. 38. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 54 to 37, wherein the fuel tank gauges include at least one of a liquid level gauge and a gas temperature measuring device.

39. 39. A fuel tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access between the second space and the tank connection space is bolted.

40. 40. A fuel tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank connection space is configured to be accessible from an end or side of the fuel tank.

41. 41. A fuel tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank connection space is configured to be accessible via the second space.

42. 42. The fuel tank according to claim 41, wherein both the second space and the tank connection space include airtight covers, and the airtight second space covers and the airtight tank connection space covers are alternately provided at intervals in the direction of movement.

43. 42. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the tank connection space is configured to be accessible from above the fuel tank.

44. 44. A fuel tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuel tank comprises a cryogenic design.

45. A vessel, the vessel including a hull, a deck, and a fuel tank; The fuel tank comprises a fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 44. ship.

46. 46. ​​A watercraft as claimed in claim 45, wherein the fuel tank is located within the hull and below deck.

47. 47. The marine vessel of claim 46, wherein the marine vessel includes a second fuel tank below the deck, the fuel tanks being side-by-side and at least partially sharing a common ventilation opening.

48. 48. A marine vessel as claimed in claim 47, wherein the fuel tanks at least partially share the ventilation inlet piping and / or the ventilation outlet piping.

49. 49. A marine vessel as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein at least one fuel tank is arranged to be mounted on a support structure provided within a tank holding space of the vessel for supporting the fuel tank.

50. 50. A watercraft as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank is substantially horizontal when the watercraft is in an in-use position.

51. 51. A marine vessel as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 50, wherein the tank holding space is located entirely below the deck.

52. 52. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 51, wherein the vessel comprises a vessel classified under the IGF Code or the IGC Code.

53. 1. A method relating to a marine vessel, the marine vessel including a hull, a deck, and a fuel tank; The fuel tank comprises a fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 44, and the method comprises: isolating the tank connection space to form an airtight compartment containing a tank penetration for fuel and a tank valve; providing a secondary enclosure, the secondary enclosure covering the manhole and defining a first space between the manhole and the secondary enclosure, the first space extending at least around and above the manhole; configuring the auxiliary housing to form, when closed, a tank holding space surrounding the fuel tank, the tank connection space, and an airtight compartment isolating the first space from the auxiliary housing; method.

54. 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising ventilating the first space through the first ventilation inlet and the first ventilation outlet at at least 30 air changes per hour.

55. 55. A method according to claim 53 or 54, the method including the step of maintaining a liquefied gas in the fuel tank.

56. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the method includes maintaining a hydrocarbon gas or ammonia in the fuel tank.

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