Data management drive to raise LNG carrier efficiency

With a range of unique challenges, owners and operators of LNG carriers are in the front line when it comes to the operational efficiency of their ships. Many LNG carriers are likely to be rated as poor in carbon intensity indicator (CII) assessments even though these vessels transport the most climate-friendly hydrocarbon which is viewed as an essential transition fuel.

The New York-based software-as-a-service company believes that more effective noon and event reporting through Orbit Reporter, a cloud-based setup, can contribute to substantial efficiency gains.

Timing is important: the 371-vessel record orderbook represent more than half of the 683-ship deepsea fleet, according to figures from shipbroker, Ifchor Galbraiths. But most of these vessels will be built to conventional designs with engines that are sub-optimal in a methane emission context.

OrbitMI lists through-voyage cargo handling and boil-off gas management as key issues. It also notes that commercial factors including ship speed, fuel prices and voyage duration are important variables.

Available today, its system is based on a range of sensors collecting data on cargo condition and engine performance. These include gas operating conditions, LNG inventory, water usage for steam plants, send-out reports, and emission calculations.

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Orbit Reporter, which can be tailored to the monitoring requirements of both LNG carriers and floating storage and regasification units, collects and coordinates data to optimise efficient operation. It will enable the sector to meet critical business requirements on compliance and performance, the company said.

“By embracing this complexity and leveraging advanced technologies and analytics, LNG operators can transform environmental challenges into opportunities,” declared OrbitMI CEO, Ali Riaz. “Optimising LNG operations for environmental performance requires an approach considering the entire voyage lifecycle, including fuel usage decisions, management of methane slip and compliance with regulations.”