Sponsored By

ABS works with Navigator Gas on first diesel-to-ethane engine conversion

Pushing forward the boundaries on cleaner fuels, ABS has collaborated on the world’s first successful conversion of a slow-speed marine diesel engine to operate on Ethane as a fuel.

Vincent Wee, Hong Kong and South East Asia Correspondent

August 27, 2018

2 Min Read
Kalyakan - stock.adobe.com

Navigator Gas, in partnership with charterer Borealis, engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions, cargo system and fuel gas supply system supplier TGE and ABS, has completed the successful conversion of the Navigator Aurora’s main engine from LNG fueling to Ethane fueling, while berthed alongside at Frederikshavn in Denmark.

“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 vp, Global Gas.

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 four years of close cooperation 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.”

“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 vp, Global Business Development.

Read More: Change of mindset needed to reach IMO targets - Rolls-Royce's Levander

The 15-day long conversion followed engine performance and emissions testing at Kawasaki in Japan, to prove the principle that burning ethane in the Navigator ME-GI engines would be possible. The trials were successful and demonstrated that suitable power and emissions performance, meeting Classification and statutory requirements, was available at a fuel gas injection pressure of just over 300 bar.

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.”

Read more about:

ABS

About the Author

Vincent Wee

Hong Kong and South East Asia Correspondent

Vincent Wee is Seatrade's Hong Kong correspondent covering Hong Kong and South China while also making use of his Malay language skills to cover the Malaysia and Indonesia markets. He has gained a keen insight and extensive knowledge of the offshore oil and gas markets gleaned while covering major rig builders and offshore supply vessel providers.

Vincent has been a journalist for over 15 years, spending the bulk of his career with Singapore's biggest business daily the Business Times, and covering shipping and logistics since 2007. Prior to that he spent several years working for Brunei's main English language daily as well as various other trade publications.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like