Wärtsilä has successfully completed delivery of its LPG Fuel Supply System (LFSS) to 15 Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) vessels owned and operated by Norwegian LPG shipping company BW LPG.
BW LPG, which is believed to have the world’s largest fleet of VLGC vessels, ordered the first four of these 15 systems in 2018, immediately following Wärtsilä’s full-scale testing of a full-sized two-stroke marine engine operating with LPG fuel. This was the first such testing protocol, and the performance attained was seen as exceeding expectations. Orders for a further 11 systems were placed in 2020.
The Wärtsilä LFSS is a key enabler for the use of LPG as an environmentally sustainable marine fuel. It meets IMO emission limits without the need for exhaust scrubber systems. Compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO), LPG reduces SOx emissions by 97%, NOx emissions by approximately 20%, greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 24% and particulate matter emissions by 90%.
Pontus Berg, EVP Technical and Operation, BW LPG, said: “The successful introduction of the LFSS is testament to Wärtsilä’s commitment to working towards the decarbonisation of shipping We were very quick to adopt this system in support of our own decarbonisation ambitions, and we have enjoyed collaborating with them in this important and groundbreaking project.”
Walter Reggente, VP Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, added: “It has been a pleasure cooperating with BW LPG in the introduction of the LFSS to 15 of their vessels. We fully support their ambitions towards enhancing the sustainability of their operations, and are proud to bring the widespread use of LPG fuel closer to reality, thanks to the Wärtsilä LFSS.”
In the retrofitting of these 15 vessels, Wärtsilä has had system integrator responsibilities. This has involved not only the installation of the LFSS, but also the required ship design modifications. The Wärtsilä LPG Fuel Supply System is available as a stand-alone solution, or as an integrated element within the LPG cargo handling system.
