Marine technology company Wärtsilä has completed the delivery of LPG fuel supply systems (LFSS) for 15 very large gas carrier vessels owned and operated by LPG shipping company BW LPG.
BW LPG ordered the first four systems in 2018, just after Wärtsilä conducted full-scale testing of a full-size two-stroke marine engine running on LPG fuel. Claimed to be the world’s first such testing protocol, the engine and fuel performance exceeded expectations and resulted in BW LPG ordering another 11 systems in 2020.
The Wärtsilä LFSS meets IMO emission limits without the need for exhaust scrubber systems. Compared with traditionally used heavy fuel oil, LPG can reduce SOX emissions by 97%, NOX emissions by 20%, greenhouse gas emissions by 24% and particulate matter emissions by 90%. Wärtsilä regards the system as a key enabler for the use of LPG as a viable, environmentally sustainable marine fuel.
Responsible for retrofitting the 15 vessels, Wärtsilä has since had system integrator responsibilities. This involved the installation of the LFSS and any ship design modifications that were required. The company’s LPG fuel supply system is available as a standalone solution or as an integrated element within the LPG cargo handling system.
“The successful introduction of the LFSS is testament to Wärtsilä’s commitment to working toward the decarbonization of shipping,” commented Pontus Berg, executive vice president, technical and operation at BW LPG. “We were very quick to adopt this system in support of our own decarbonization ambitions, and we have enjoyed collaborating with them on this important and groundbreaking project.”
“It has been a pleasure cooperating with BW LPG on the introduction of the LFSS to 15 of their vessels,” said Walter Reggente, vice president at Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. “We fully support their ambitions toward 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.”