zoomImage Courtesy: DNV GL

Project partners Consolidated Marine Management (CMM), Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Wärtsilä Oil & Gas, and DNV GL presented a new LPG fuelled carrier design LPGreen, as a results of the parties’ joint industry project (JIP).

The new concept design achieves state of the art performance on several fronts, according to the partners. Compared to the reference vessel, built to a standard design in 2016, there is an overall improvement of 6–9% in energy efficiency, depending on machinery configuration and fuel used.

A redesign of the tank allows for a filling limit of 99% – a 1% increase in overall carrying capacity. Loading duration has been decreased by 30%, while the newly designed cargo handling system concept results in a 5% reduction in energy demand.

“In order to increase the competitiveness of modern LPG carriers, novel ship designs need to simultaneously account for the market and trade route characteristics; excellent safety and ease of operation; cargo and fuel flexibility; and, overall energy efficiency combined with economic viability,” Nikolaos Kakalis, DNV GL’s Manager for R&D and Advisory Services in South East Europe and Middle East, said.

“Therefore, a holistic approach to the design of modern LPG carriers is required, taking into advantage market insight, technology innovation, advanced computer tools and industry-wide collaboration with strong partnerships.”

Launched at the Posidonia trade fair in 2016, the JIP sought to develop a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and safer vessel for the transportation of LPG products.

George Dimopoulos, Principal Specialist in DNV GL and project manager for LPGreen, said that “LPGreen has demonstrated the technical feasibility of a LPG fuelled propulsion concept, which, depending on fuel prices and the development of a commercial and chartering framework, could result in a cut of up to 30% in fuel expenses.”