Gas carriers to convert to dual-fuel LPG engines

Twelve gas carriers owned by Singapore-based BW LPG are to have their engines converted for dual-fuel LPG operation. Approved by the Isle of Man Ship Registry to have an equivalent level of ship fuel safety as methane under the IGC Code 2016, the converted vessels will have new notation from DNV GL – “GF LPG”. The first two vessels, BW Leo and BW Gemini will undergo conversions in the weeks ahead whilst engine modifications to other vessels will be carried out when dockings fall due.

The ships will have two additional LPG cargo/fuel tanks installed on deck in the cargo area so as not to reduce cargo capacity, and a high-pressure liquid fuel system for the modified MAN two-stroke engines. The result will be significantly lower emissions of CO2, SOx and NOx, whilst the retrofitting process generates much less carbon than construction of a new vessel.

CEO of BW LPG, Anders Onarheim, commented: “For us, as the world’s largest owner and operator of VLGCs, this means that we invest significant resources and expertise to pioneer technology that can be used to push our industry towards decarbonisation without the need for dedicated newbuilding orders. We thank our industry partners who have worked in close collaboration with us to ensure that this pioneering technology is safe and reliable for implementation.”

DNV GL Maritime’s CEO, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, said: “The knowledge we have gained from working on the project has resulted in us being able to release a new dedicated LPG notation which, we hope, will spur the further interest and uptake of LPG as a ship fuel.”