Wärtsilä Says New Pump is "Important Enabler" for LNG Bunkers

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday April 13, 2015

Wärtsilä Corp. (Wärtsilä) has unveiled its new Wärtsilä Svanehøj ECA Fuel Pump, saying it is an "important enabler" for the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.

"This new addition to our pump portfolio is one more important enabler for the use of LNG as a safe and viable marine fuel," said Wärtsilä.

According to Wärtsilä, the advantages of the new pump include having no tank connections below liquid level, no electrical components inside the tank, and hardly any contribution to the generation of boil off gas.

"Importantly, the electric motor is situated outside the fuel tank to eliminate excess heat and pressure," said Wärtsilä.

"Conventional pumps with the motor installed inside the fuel tank transfer as much as 70 percent of the electrical energy as heat to the LNG."

In addition to improved efficiency, this enhances the operating safety of the new pump as well as ensuring reliable operations regardless of weather or thermal conditions.

The new pump has been designed to be compatible with Wärtsilä's LNGPac fuel bunkering and supply system, and with Emissions Control Area (ECA) regulations in mind.

In addition to LNG, the pump can also be used with other types of fuel, such as ethane and methanol.

Last week, Keppel Offshore & Marine's Managing Director said the Singapore shipping industry will need to invest in LNG research and development in preparation for the next upswing in oil prices.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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