- ABS Navigator Aurora transformed into a Enthane Fueled Vessel.
- The first ship in the world to do so proved the viability of enthane bunker fuels under the new regulations.
- The conversion was made possible after 15 days of trials and testing in Japan.
Navigator Gas, in partnership with Charterer Borealis, engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions have conducted the world’s first conversion of a slow speed marine diesel engine to an ethane fueled engine, reports Eagle.
Along with the Navigator Gas, the cargo system and fuel gas supply system supplier TGE and ABS were also involved in this conversion of the ABS-classed vessel Navigator Aurora while it was berthed alongside Frederikshavn in Denmark.
Environmental Impact
The Ship & Bunker News reports the 35000 CBM Ethane/LPG carrier ship as a phenomenal achievement amid a growing number of alternative bunker fuels market.
“This is the latest example of how ABS is collaborating globally with innovative companies such as Navigator Gas to support the delivery of technologies that minimize the environmental impact of shipping and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Patrick Janssens, ABS Vice President, Global Gas.
The Success
ABS-Classed Navigator Aurora is a 35,000 CBM Ethylene/LPG Carrier, delivered in August 2016, equipped with a MAN B&W 6S50ME-C8.2-GI dual fuel (HFO/LNG) burning engine, which has now been converted to a dual fuel (HFO/Ethane) 6S50ME-C-GIE engine.
Navigator Gas Fleet Manager Mark Macey said “The success of the ME-GIE conversion project is the culmination of 4 years of close co-operation between Navigator Gas, Borealis, ABS, ABS Consulting, TGE, MAN Diesel & Turbo, Northern Marine and the Liberian administration. There has been excellent co-operation between all parties concerned, culminating in the successful completion of this historic conversion.”
Reporting on its succes Safety 4 Sea documented how it made the cut by undergoing “a 15 days long trial that took place after engine performance and emissions testing at Kawasaki in Japan which proved that burning ethane in the Navigator ME-GI engines would be possible”.
“This is the second MAN ME-GI conversion ABS has been involved in, demonstrating we have industry-leading experience in gas as fuel and in providing guidance on converting ships and engines to operate on natural gas or other alternative low flashpoint fuels such as Ethane,” said Peter Fitzpatrick, ABS Vice President, Global Business Development.
The Significance of the Project
Paul Flaherty, Director of Fleet and Technical operations at Navigator Gas, said: “This project represents a significant investment by both Navigator Gas and Borealis that clearly demonstrates a very strong commitment to environmental protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This retrofit modification will comply with all current global emissions regulations and position us as early adopters of the global sulphur cap regulation due to come into force on the 1st of January 2020.”
The Significance and importance of this project is reiterated by the World Maritime News portal when they reported the trials as “a suitable power and emissions performance which meets classification and statutory requirements available at a fuel gas injection pressure of just over 300 bar”.
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: ABS
