ABS to Conduct Economic Feasibility Study of LPG Bunkers for Dorian LPG

Dorian LPG will work with the ABS to evaluate the use of LPG as a marine fuel.
Image Credit: Dorian LPG

Dorian LPG Ltd. (Dorian LPG) today announced that it will work with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to evaluate the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a marine fuel, among other options.

Dorian LPG says the decision to undertake such a study comes in response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandate to reduce sulfur emissions by approximately 85 percent.

Under the cooperation, ABS will conduct in-depth engineering and economic cost-benefit analysis of of using LPG on Dorian LPG's fleet of very large gas carriers (VLGCs) to meet tightening global emissions standards. 

"We believe that the relevant technologies are sufficiently advanced to allow a meaningful analysis of this environmentally friendly and cost effective fuel," said John Hadjipateras, Chairman and CEO of Dorian LPG.

"If the study proves the commercial viability of LPG for marine fuel use, the Company will be at the forefront of this innovation. Our customers and shareholders will be well positioned to reap the long-term benefits."

Dorian LPG says that, should the economic viability of LPG as a bunker fuel be established, the company believes that it could represent a "significantly more attractive and cost effective alternative" for complying with the coming emissions regulations for environmental control areas (ECAs).

Dorian LPG further notes that, as part of its newbuilding programme, the company has made enhancements to its VLGC design to enable the use LPG bunkers in the future.

ABS' completed assessment of the environmental, operational, and financial impact of LPG as a marine fuel for Dorian LPG is expected in the coming months.