As an innovative solution to address increasingly stringent emission restrictions in a more environment-friendly way, LPG as a fuel for the main engine will be installed on 2 VLGC newbuildings, which EXMAR has contracted to serve long-term commitments with Statoil ASA of Norway for worldwide LPG transportation as announced on 21st December 2017.

Two EXMAR New Very Large Gas Carriers To Be LPG Fueled
Image for illustrative purposes only - Photo courtesy of Bruno Caucheteur

Both vessels will be constructed by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction at Subic Bay (Philippines) for delivery within the third quarter of 2020. This development is the result of Statoil ASA’s commitment to improve the sustainability performance in its activities and a longstanding cooperation from EXMAR with Lloyds Register as Classification Society and MAN Diesel & Turbo as Engine Maker to develop an efficient LPG fuel system, which allows part of the cargo to be used for the vessels’ propulsion.

EXMAR’s expertise and proven track record in LNG and LPG handling enables it to once more play a pioneering role in the gas shipping industry as Statoil ASA’s project will be the first to valorise LPG as marine fuel. Its superior environmental benefits are in the fact that LPG as a fuel does not contain any sulphur and substantially reduces CO2 and NOx emissions whereas particulate matters are almost halved as compared to a fuel-only engine. The above reflects EXMAR’s dedicated efforts to support industrial partners with state-of-the-art shipping designs.

Source: EXMAR