BW LPG, a unit of the Singapore-based gas shipping giant BW, has committed an additional three VLGCs for its propulsion retrofitting program.
China’s Yiu Lian shipyard in Shenzhen is already converting in total 12 very large gas carriers for BW to LPG propulsion.
This move brings the total commitment to 15 vessels and a combined cost of about $130 million, the LPG shipper said in a statement on Monday.
Additionally, this announcement comes on the back of BW Gemini’s successful retrofitting, and transpacific voyage.
To remind, the VLGC left China last month following completion of sea and gas trials.
BW Gemini completed its “historic crossing” of the Pacific Ocean on LPG propulsion, and completed loading operations at Enterprise Terminal in Houston on Monday, BW LPG said.
Furthermore, the vessel is carrying a record load of 49,000 metric tons of LPG on a single keel, the firm said.
“We are taking the lead and advancing technology that will allow us to decarbonize and maximize the value of an asset with a 20-year lifespan as we prepare for a zero-carbon solution,” said Anders Onarheim, BW LPG CEO.
He adds, “Building new ships can provide the benefits of operating with LPG but comes at a heavy cost. Counting total emissions, a new ship represents about 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide in the materials and building process. Compared to 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide for retrofitting, the sustainability outcome is much better from retrofitting than from building new vessels.”