Delivery of the LPG-powered GAS GARNET LPG/NH3 Carrier

Mar. 29, 2024


The GAS GARNET – an LPG-powdered LPG/NH3 carrier

Tokyo, March 29, 2024 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today its delivery of the GAS GARNET (Kawasaki hull no. 1759), an 86,700 m3 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH3) carrier powered by LPG fuel.

Boasting an increased cargo capacity compared with the existing 84,000 m3 LPG carriers as well as ammonia loading capability, the GAS GARNET is the fourth of Kawasaki’s newest-design 86,700 m3 capacity, LPG-fueled LPG/NH3 carriers. As for LPG-propelled vessels, Kawasaki has completed eleven vessels to date, and the GAS GARNET is its seventy-fourth LPG carrier in total.

This carrier is equipped with separate cargo tanks and is capable of simultaneously transporting LPG, which is already in widespread use as a low-carbon-emission energy source, and ammonia, which is expected to serve as a useful new fuel amid widespread efforts toward the realization of low- and zero-carbon-emission societies. Furthermore, this carrier is designed to increase cargo tank capacity, while keeping its principal dimensions like LOA and beam similar to conventional-type vessels so that the carrier can be berthed at major LPG terminals around the world.
Moreover, the shaft connecting the propeller with the main propulsion system is equipped with a shaft generator, which enables generation of electric power for in-vessel applications based on propulsion system output. Use of the shaft generator makes it possible to discontinue use of the diesel generator during normal navigation. As as result, operations powered exclusively by LPG are possible with the exception of small amounts of pilot fuel usage, resulting in more environmentally friendly vessel performance.

In consideration of increasingly strict environmental regulations around the world, and based on action plans such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kawasaki will continue to develop and provide customers with environmentally friendly ship technologies with a focus on LPG carriers and LPG/NH3 carriers powered by LPG, as well as other types of merchant vessels that comply with the latest environmental regulations—including carriers for liquefied hydrogen, a fuel that is gaining popularity as a next-generation energy source. In this way, Kawasaki will contribute toward the realization of low- and zero-carbon-emission societies.


Specifications
Length overall 229.90 m
Molded breadth 37.20 m
Molded depth 21.90 m
Molded draft 11.65 m
Speed Approx. 17.0 knots
Crew complement 30
Gross tonnage 49,561 T
Deadweight 56,360 t
Cargo tank capacity 86,953 m3
Main engine One set of Kawasaki-MAN B&W 6G60ME-C10.5-LGIP diesel engine
Classification/country of registration Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) / Panama
Delivery date March 29, 2024


Features

  1. This carrier is equipped with the Kawasaki-MAN B&W 6G60ME-C10.5-LGIP, a Kawasaki-made, electronically controlled, LPG-injection marine diesel engine (ME-LGIP engine). By utilizing LPG as fuel, it is possible to significantly reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) and CO2 emissions in exhaust gases compared with ships running on conventional marine fuel oil, enabling compliance with SOx emission standards*1 and EEDI phase 3 regulations.*2
  2. The propulsion system is compliant with nitrogen oxide (NOx) Tier III requirements*3 and utilizes EGR*4 and SCR*5 equipment. Thanks to this system, the vessel is able to travel in NOx emission control areas (ECAs) even when operating on conventional low-sulfur fuel.
  3. Fuel consumption amounts are reduced through the inclusion of the Kawasaki RBS-F (Rudder Bulb System with Fins), the Kawasaki SDS-F (Semi-Duct System with contra Fins), and energy-saving fins around the propeller.
  4. The concept design for a system that utilizes ammonia as fuel on this vessel has been approved by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Therefore, it is possible to modify ship design specifications to enable the use of ammonia as fuel in the future.


*1    SOx emission standards:
Since January 2015, International Maritime Organization (IMO) SOx emission restrictions in North American and European ECAs have limited sulfur content in fuels to 0.1% or less. Starting in January 2020, regulations have required ships operating in all other parts of the world to use fuel with sulfur content levels of 0.5% or less, or alternatively use equipment to reduce SOx in exhaust gases to an equivalent level.
*2    Energy Efficiency Design Index:
Compulsory international regulations requiring energy-efficiency compliance in newly built ships based on EEDI values, which specify CO2 emissions in grams for transporting one ton of cargo for one mile. EEDI regulation values apply in increasingly strict phases based on the construction-contract conclusion date and finished-ship delivery date. Phase 3 regulations (30% CO2 emissions reduction compared with baseline levels) apply for certain ship types, including large LPG carriers and LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers, contracted to be built in 2022 or later.
*3    NOx emission standards:
The IMO regulates ship NOx emissions. Tier III regulations, which were enacted in 2016, specify controls for the North American ECA only, and stipulate a stricter 80% NOx reduction value over the Tier I value.
*4    Exhaust gas recirculation:
An EGR system cleans a portion of exhaust gases using wash water and recirculates them as air for use in the combustion process within the propulsion system. This reduces oxygen concentrations in combustion air and lowers combustion temperature, mitigating the oxidation reaction of nitrogen at high temperatures to reduce resulting NOx emissions. The water used to clean the exhaust gases is treated to remove soot, oils and other contaminants, rendering it safe before its release into the sea outside the vessel.
*5    Selective catalytic reduction:
The SCR system sprays urea water into high-temperature exhaust gases from the generator, decomposing the ammonia contained therein. By using this together with catalysts such as titanium and vanadium, it is possible to trigger a reaction with the NOx in exhaust gases, converting them into nitrogen and water and thus reducing NOx emissions.


Relevant links

Kawasaki Super Green Products (LPG Powered Large LPG Carrier)

https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/sustainability/environment/consideration/pdf/item_2021_14_e.pdf

Energy-saving Technology

https://global.kawasaki.com/en/mobility/marine/technology/energy_saving.html


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