New LNG Carriers Promise 40% Fuel Efficiency Improvement

The ships will be built at Imabari's Saijo Shipyard

Two new Spanish liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers will feature propulsion systems that promise to improve fuel consumption performance by 40 percent, according to Imabari Shpbuilding Co. Ltd. (Imabari).

Spanish shipping company Elcano ordered the vessels for use by Gas Natural, a Spanish gas company.

The vessels, due for delivery in 2017, will be larger than current LNG carriers, with a capacity of 178,000 cubic meters, since they will be able to take advantage of the expanded Panama Canal and shifting patterns in LNG markets.

The ships also promise a reduced boil-off rate for natural gas of 0.1 percent, down from 0.15 percent and include a re-liquefaction system that provides operational flexibility.

The efficient propulsion system includes an optimised hull shape and a M-type, Electronically Controlled, Gas Injection (MEGI) engine with a high-efficiency gas supply system.

"Imabari will continue to build high quality and environmental-friendly LNG carriers which can be highly rated by crews, flexibly suitable for diversified LNG trades after the Shale Gas Revolution," the company said.

The ships will be built at the Japanese company's Saijo Shipyard.

Imabari said it received the order for the vessels in cooperation with Mitsubishi Corp. before the foundation of its joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI).

The joint venture, which will handle design and marketing of LNG carriers in anticipation of growing demand for large-scale projects in that segment, took effect April 1, according to MHI.