NYK Line and Shipbuilders Unite for LNG Carrier Advancements

In a collaborative effort to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, NYK Line has teamed up with Namura Shipbuilding, and Sasebo Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The focus of this collaboration is the replacement of the main propulsion systems on Moss-type LNG carriers currently driven by steam turbines. This innovative initiative seeks to address challenges related to the economic performance of steam turbine-driven LNG carriers compared to their diesel engine counterparts.

The pivotal development occurred in October 2023 when NYK Line secured Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Japanese classification society Class NK for the conversion of the steam turbine on an LNG carrier to a dual-fuel diesel engine. This groundbreaking approval marks the first instance of Class NK granting AiP for the conversion of main engines on LNG carriers. The collaborative trio, comprising NYK Line, Namura Shipbuilding, and Sasebo Heavy Industries, now embarks on the next phase: the detailed design of the steam turbine conversion. The primary objectives include enhancing environmental performance, optimizing the use of existing vessels, and contributing to the stability of LNG transportation.

The global transition toward decarbonization has spotlighted LNG as a crucial bridge energy source, making it imperative to explore advancements in LNG carrier technology. While the demand for LNG transportation is anticipated to rise steadily, concerns persist about a shortage of LNG carriers. This challenge stems from the limited capacity for ordering new LNG carriers and the retirement of steam turbine-driven LNG carriers, primarily due to their suboptimal fuel economic performance in comparison to LNG carriers equipped with diesel engines.

To tackle this challenge head-on, NYK Line, Namura Shipbuilding, and Sasebo Heavy Industries are initiating a comprehensive approach. The crux of their strategy involves replacing the main propulsion systems on steam turbine-driven LNG carriers with state-of-the-art dual-fuel, low-speed diesel engines known as X-DF engines. The Moss-type LNG tanks, integral to steam turbine-driven LNG carriers, possess a robust design capable of withstanding prolonged use. Consequently, beyond the enhancement of fuel economic performance, the engine replacement initiative aims to optimize the efficient utilization of the vessel's resources.

This collaborative endeavor represents a forward-thinking response to the dual challenges of meeting the growing demand for LNG transportation and ensuring the environmental sustainability of the maritime industry. By embracing cutting-edge technology and leveraging the inherent durability of Moss-type LNG tanks, the consortium is not only addressing the economic shortcomings of steam turbine-driven LNG carriers but also contributing to the broader goals of sustainable shipping.