At SMM 2018, three of the marine sector’s major technology companies have announced a collaboration around increasing the viability LNG propulsion.

LNG fuelled tank design equipped with GTT’s membrane containment system (Image: GTT/ Roland Mouron)

LNG fuelled tank design equipped with GTT’s membrane containment system (Image: GTT/ Roland Mouron)

WinGD, Wärtsilä and GTT, by combining their expertise and experience, plan to deliver an effective, streamlined approach for achieving compliance with environmental legislation.

LNG fuel is considered a key enabler of ‘green’ propulsion for ships. It has virtually no sulphur content, produces 80 percent less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 30 percent less CO2 emissions than conventional marine fuels, and is competitively priced. With LNG being more widely available and accessible, it is now a feasible green fuel option.

In 2017, a notable advance in the acceptance of LNG as a marine fuel was recorded with an order by CMA CGM for nine ‘mega’ containerships, each with a record capacity of 22,000 TEU, to be built with LNG fuelled engines. These will be the first vessels of this type and size to operate on LNG. WinGD, Wärtsilä, and GTT cooperated closely in providing the required equipment for these vessels, and it was through this shared expertise that the industry-shaping collaboration was born.

GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz) is an engineering company expert in containment systems with cryogenic membranes used to transport and store liquefied gas, in particular LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). For over 50 years, GTT has been maintaining reliable relationships with all stakeholders of the gas industry (shipyards, shipowners, gas companies, terminal operators, classification societies). The company designs and provides technologies which combine operational efficiency and safety, to equip LNG carriers, floating terminals, and multi-gas carriers. GTT also develops solutions dedicated to land storage and to the use of LNG as fuel for the vessel propulsion, as well as a full range of services.

WinGD is a leading developer of two-stroke gas and diesel engines for marine propulsion. Headquartered in Switzerland since its inception as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, it carries the legacy of excellence in design. With worldwide offices, research and training centres, WinGD employees represent over 25 different nationalities.

By Jake Frith