The Alfa Laval FCM LPG fuel supply system has been selected for four new LPG carrier projects by two leading shipyards in Asia.
As the marine industry focuses on decarbonisation, Alfa Laval is experiencing demand for solutions related to LPG as fuel. With lower carbon emissions compared to conventional fuels, significantly reduced SOx, and an established global supply infrastructure, LPG is considered to present shipowners with a viable path to compliance and decarbonisation, particularly in segments such as gas carriers.
The success of this approach can be seen in orders from prominent system builders in the LPG market. Alfa Laval will provide two FCM LPG for newbuild 50,000m3 medium-sized gas carriers to be built at Jiangnan Shipyard in China for a leading Vietnamese ship owner with operations in marine transport across dry cargo, liquid and gas. The other two FCM LPG systems will be installed on 87,000m3 large-sized LPG gas carriers at Namura Shipbuilding in Japan for a Japanese owner having a strong presence in global shipping. The FCM LPGs will be delivered in 2026.
Peter Sahlen, Head of Marine Separation, Fuel Supply System and Heat Transfer, Alfa Laval, said: “With mature solutions already in place for alternative fuels like methanol and frontrunning developments in ammonia, we remain committed to supporting the full spectrum of fuel choices the maritime industry is exploring. LPG is a valuable alternative fuel solution for LPG carriers, and we are proud to enable that transition. The strong interest in our LFSS technology reflects its efficiency and flexibility. The system can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of each vessel and project.”
These latest orders are said to reflect Alfa Laval’s strong relationship with the shipyards, system builders and shipowners, built on successful project deliveries and service. Alfa Laval has been working closely with Namura and Jiangnan Shipyards, supplying fuel systems for previous LPG projects since 2022.
Built on Alfa Laval’s fuel line experience, the system delivers a compact design, high energy efficiency and an adaptive response that ensures synchronisation with the main engine, thus making it suited for dual fuel operations.
Sanguo Dong, Technical Director, Jiangnan Shipyard, said: “We have successfully partnered with Alfa Laval a long time ago for fuel supply system for traditional oil, recently for methanol, and we feel confident choosing the LPG fuel supply system from Alfa Laval for its safety, efficiency, and proven performance. Alfa Laval’s technological expertise and ability to customise its system technology to fit ships’ needs align with our goal of developing competitive, future-ready ships.”
According to Alfa Laval, the growing orders for its FCM LPG fuel supply systems reflect strength in its broad LPG offering. 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. Alfa Laval maintains a portfolio of solutions used in LPG cargo handling systems. These include the company’s robust semi-welded plate 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.
Sahlen concluded: “Alfa Laval’s offering truly extends from bow to stern. LPG carriers benefit not only from our fuel supply expertise but also from technologies that support energy efficiency, safety and reliable cargo handling.”
Image: Alfa Laval FCM LPG (source: Alfa Laval)
