Dual Fuel Solutions for LNG Carriers

Dual Fuel Solutions for LNG Carriers 13th September 2007 Frederick J. Venner Manager Tankers & Gas Carriers, Bureau Veritas DCM, Paris Today’s benchmark The traditional steam turbine Since 1964 when the first commercial LNG vessels entered service the traditional propulsion system for LNG carriers has been and still is the steam turbine • It is safe and reliable • It demands only low maintenance, • It burns HFO and BOG in any proportion, • It is able to dispose easily of excess BOG by steam dumping International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 3 The traditional steam turbine ? So any improvement on this benchmark should be considered beneficial in terms of: • Savings in construction costs • Reduced fuel consumption • Easier manning • Reduced environmental impact International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 4 Today’s concerns ? Today’s concern of LNG shipping is cost reduction • As well as flexibility, reliability and safety. ? LNG demand will only continue to grow rapidly if LNG is delivered at a competitive price. • Shipping is part of the cost reduction chain. • CAPEX and OPEX reduction may mean better efficiency of shipbuilding and ship operations: £ € $ ¥ International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 5 Main issues ? Choice of fuel: • Primary use of gas ? • Primary use of fuel oil ? ? General layout: • Mechanical or electric propulsion ? • Reduction gear or direct coupling ? ? Other factors: • Disposal of excess boil off ? International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 6 Main issues ? Efficiency, reliability, safety: • Steam turbine, Low / medium speed Diesel, • HP gas injection or lean burn system, • Diesel electric, gas turbine, COGES, ... ? ? Costs: • Investment, operating, maintenance. ? Environmental friendliness • Emissions ? Shipyard’s / Shipowner’s preference: • Suppliers of systems, crewing of ships, etc... International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 7 Possible options Selection of the propulsion means ? Steam turbine è dual fuel any% è boiler è Mechanical ? Diesel engine è dual fuel è 2 stroke è HP injection è 4 stroke è Lean burn ? Gas Turbine è dual fuel any% è direct burn è Mechanical è Electrical BOG disposal è Use as fuel è Re-liquefaction International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 8 è Oxidation and possibly steam dumping Ultimate goal What most owners and charterers require is FLEXIBILITY ! To burn either gas or fuel oil or both, whichever is the most economic at any particular time International Congress on Ship Technology Hamburg 2007 9 Alternatives Boilers & steam turbine T.