- Wärtsilä LPG Fuel Supply System, the first ever to undergo engine testing.
- Wärtsilä LFSS in four very large gas carrier (VLGC) vessels owned by Oslo-listed BW LPG.
- Performance exceeded expectations and BW LPG decided to retrofit an additional four vessels.
- Wärtsilä has been designated as the system integrator for the retrofittings.
- The system is available as a stand-alone solution, or as an integrated element within the LPG cargo handling system.
Wärtsilä’s LPG Fuel Supply System (LFSS) successfully completed full scale testing with a full sized 2-stroke marine engine burning liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel, says a press release published on their website.
Performance exceeded expectations
This was the world’s first such testing protocol. Initially it was decided to retrofit the Wärtsilä LFSS to four very large gas carrier (VLGC) vessels owned by Oslo-listed BW LPG, the world’s largest gas shipping company.
Following the tests, in which the performance exceeded expectations, BW LPG decided to exercise their option to retrofit an additional four vessels, making a total of eight ships to benefit from this technology.
The initial order with Wärtsilä was placed in December 2018, and the order for the four additional retrofits was signed in February 2020.
Wärtsilä the system integrator
Wärtsilä has been designated as the system integrator for the retrofittings. This involves its involvement in –
- the installation of the LFSS,
- the required ship design modifications, integration of the LFSS control system into the ships’ integrated automation system (IAS), and
- the coordinator between the yard, the engine manufacturer, and the owner.
Wärtsilä’s leading position
Peter Zürcher, Project Manager, Wärtsilä Marine said, “This project is yet another example of Wärtsilä’s leading position in bringing innovative systems that increase efficiency and support environmental sustainability, to the market. The use of LPG as a marine fuel is likely to increase in the future, and a high quality, reliable, supply system is essential if this is to happen.”
Transition towards cleaner energy
Serge Schwalenstocker, Project Manager, BW LPG said, “BW LPG is pleased to work with Wärtsilä and collaborate on industry-leading innovations. We are confident that through such partnerships, BW LPG can play a leading role in the decarbonisation of our industry, and the broader transition towards cleaner energy.”
A stand-alone solution
Retrofitting of the Wärtsilä LFSS to the first of the vessels will take place in April 2020. The system is available as a stand-alone solution, or as an integrated element within the LPG cargo handling system.
Media contacts:
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
General Manager, Positioning, Marine Business Marketing
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 10 709 1439
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Wärtsilä
