Finland-headed marine- and energy engineering and technology major Wärtsilä Oyj has announced that it has successfully completed delivery of its LPG Fuel Supply Systems (LFSS) to 15 Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) vessels owned and operated by BW LPG.
The Norway-headed shipping major BW LPG is a world leader in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipping and has the world’s largest fleet of VLGC vessels.
BW LPG ordered the first four of these 15 LPG fuel supply systems in 2018, immediately following Wärtsilä’s full-scale testing of a full-sized 2-stroke marine engine operating with LPG fuel.
This was the world’s first such testing protocol, and the performance attained was seen as exceeding expectations. Orders for a further 11 systems were placed in 2020.
Lower carbon marine fuel
The Wärtsilä LFSS is a key enabler for the use of LPG as an environmentally sustainable marine fuel.
It meets International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission limits without the need for exhaust scrubber systems.
Compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO), LPG reduces sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions by 97 percent, nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 20 percent, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 24 percent, and particulate matter (PM) emissions by 90 percent.
The successful introduction of the LFSS is a testament to Wärtsilä’s commitment to working towards the decarbonization of shipping We were very quick to adopt this system in support of our own decarbonization ambitions, and we have enjoyed collaborating with them in this important and groundbreaking project, commented Pontus Berg, EVP, Technical and Operation, at BW LPG.
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.
Wärtsilä’s LPG Fuel Supply Systems are available as a stand-alone solution, or as an integrated element within the LPG cargo handling system.
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, said Walter Reggente, VP, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.
