Navigator Gas orders two further engine conversions from Everllence
The successful conversion of Navigator Aurora’ s engines has lead to two new projects with Navigator Gas (Source: Everllence)
Navigator Gas has contracted Everllence PrimeServ to convert two additional liquefied gas carriers to operate on ethane, building on operational experience gained from a similar retrofit completed in 2018.
The project will see the vessels Navigator Nova and Navigator Prominence upgraded from Everllence B&W 6S50ME-GI Mk8.2 engines to ME-GIE (Gas Injection Ethane) configuration under IMO Tier II compliance. The work will be carried out by Cosco Shipping Heavy Industries at its Nantong yard in China, with Everllence PrimeServ responsible for the engine retrofit scope.
The contract follows eight years of service experience with the Navigator Aurora, which underwent the same conversion in 2018. The first of the new retrofit projects is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Kaj Pilemand, director of vessel operations at Navigator Gas, said: “Eight years of operational experience with Navigator Aurora have given us strong confidence in the ME-GIE solution and the value it brings to our fleet.”
He added that retrofitting existing vessels with fuel-flexible technology enables the company to reduce CO₂ emissions, extend vessel life and support longer-term decarbonisation plans.
Michael Petersen, senior vice president and head of Everllence PrimeServ Denmark said Navigator Gas’s decision to return for additional conversions demonstrated confidence in the company’s retrofit platform and its ability to support fuel flexibility. He stated: “Navigator Gas returning to us for two additional engine upgrades is a hugely positive acknowledgement of our expertise in supporting customers' operational desire for fuel flexibility.”
The project is intended to provide a standardised and scalable conversion model for the ethane-carrier segment while expanding the operational fuel options available to the vessels.
