BW LPG-fuelled VLGC set for maiden transpacific voyageBW LPG-fuelled VLGC set for maiden transpacific voyage

Classification society DNV GL has awarded certification for the vessel following testing to safe limits of the LPG propulsion system.

The BW Gemini is the world’s first VLGC to be powered by LPG with a retrofitted dual fuel engine allowing it to switch seamlessly to traditional fuel oils. The vessel will now sail across the Pacific using LPG propulsion to load cargo in Enterprise Port, Houston, Texas.

BW LPG said the vessel was expected to emit 20% less greenhouse gases on the voyage than it would using compliant fuels.

Pontus Berg, BW LPG executive vice president (technical and operations), said, “On behalf of the Management of BW LPG, we thank our BW team on site and in office, and partners such as MAN ES, Wartsila Gas Solutions, DNV GL, Isle of Man flag and You Lian Shekou dockyard. BW Gemini is a testament to what industry collaboration can achieve – together, we can pioneer the technology needed to decarbonize shipping and realize a zero-carbon future.”

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, regional manager for Southeast Asia, Pacific & India for DNV GL Maritime, said: “We hope more owners will look to these kinds of new fuels as the industry moves to decarbonize and DNV GL stands ready to support the industry with our unmatched technical expertise and unique classification solutions.”

Related:BW LPG starts trial of world’s first VLGC running on LPG as fuel