As the marine industry focuses on decarbonisation, Alfa Laval says it is experiencing increased demand for solutions related to LPG as fuel, with several notable recent orders for the company’s FCM LPG, a low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) that can work seamlessly with LPG cargo handling systems.
Given its lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional marine fuels, LPG is considered to be a logical step in decarbonising the vessels that transport the gas. The FCM LPG can be a key enabler in moving to LPG as fuel, combining Alfa Laval’s experience in fuel conditioning and engine-related applications with a high degree of flexibility. The system’s LFSS core is surrounded by an adaptable framework, allowing it to be integrated with the cargo handling system.
The success of this approach can be seen in orders from prominent actors in the LPG market. TGE Marine Gas Engineering, a market-leading supplier of liquefied gas cargo handling systems, included the FCM LPG in its delivery scope for three LPG carriers – one of 40,000 m3 and two of 93,000 m3 – to be built in China in 2022. More recently, Alfa Laval received an FCM LPG order from one Japanese customer, to be integrated in the cargo handling system of newly designed 87,000 m3 VLGCs under construction in Japan.
Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation and Fuel Supply Systems, said: “As we develop for methanol and prepare for carbon-free ammonia, we are also supporting today’s lower-carbon alternatives, which include LPG on the vessels that carry it. We see a positive response to our LFSS technology from partners. Our FCM LPG deliveries can be tuned for any type of project, which allows them to meet each stakeholder’s requirements.”
While the central role of the LFSS puts it in focus, the FCM LPG is not Alfa Laval’s only engine-related solution for LPG as fuel. On LPG-powered vessels that use Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) to curb NOx emissions, Alfa Laval PureNOx LS provides effective cleaning of the EGR bleed-off water. Developed in cooperation with MAN Energy Solutions, PureNOx LS uses high-efficiency centrifugal separation in combination with a coagulant, which lowers operating costs by eliminating secondary cleaning and the need for filters. Moreover, Alfa Laval maintains a portfolio of solutions used in LPG cargo handling systems. These include the company’s semi-welded heat exchangers, which are a critical component in the FCM LPG but also a frequent choice for LPG cargo handling systems, due to their resistance to vibrations and pressure cycles. Reliability is a proven element of the Alfa Laval Smit LPG system, an inert gas system that ensures cargo safety and efficient operations through its high availability.
Friberg said: “Alfa Laval’s offering truly extends from bow to stern. LPG carriers can turn to us for expertise and complete solutions, whether pursuing decarbonisation through LPG as fuel or improving the safety and efficiency of their cargo operations.”
