Qatargas Developing LNG System for Ships

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday October 16, 2012

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer Qatargas Operating Co. Ltd. (Qatargas) is developing main engine gas injection (MEGI) technology that would allow ships to operate on LNG instead of fuel oil, Chief Operating Officer Alaa Abu Jbara told delegates at Gastech, according to the company.

With MEGI, Jbara said, Qatargas could eliminate sulfur emissions and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent.

"The vision for Qatargas is to be the world's Premier LNG company," Jbara said.

"To help attain this status Qatargas is committed to meeting  four key objectives:  to have a talented and diverse workforce which is second to none in the industry;  to maintain and exceed current levels of customer satisfaction; to generate returns for our shareholders and, lastly, to set the standard in safety and environmental awareness in the LNG Industry."

The company is already the largest LNG supplier in the world, producing 42 million tonnes a year, Jbara said.

"Last year we supplied 24% of LNG to Europe and 14% to Asia.

"At present, Qatargas is the number one supplier of LNG to Japan, China, the UAE, Kuwait, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom."

In addition to the MEGI system, Qatargas is also working on a Jetty Boil Off Gas project (JBOG), which could save 600,000 tonnes per year of LNG or the equivalent energy.

The demand for LNG engines has been predicted to grow in coming years as new emissions regulations come into effect, particularly if natural gas prices remain low relative to fuel oil.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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