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LPG fueling a new series of very large gas carriers (VLGC)

As an innovative solution to address increasingly stringent emissions restrictions, LPG as a main engine fuel will be installed on two VLGC New buildings – 86,000 m³ gas carriers. EXMAR has contracted these VLGCs to serve long-term commitments with Equinor ASA for worldwide LPG transportation. Both vessels are to be delivered by 2021.

This development is the result of Equinor ASA’s commitment to improve the sustainability performance in its activities. It also reflects the longstanding cooperation of EXMAR with Lloyds Register as Classification Society and MAN Energy Solutions as engine maker to develop an efficient LPG fuel system, which allows part of the cargo to be used for the vessels’ propulsion. EXMAR has also signed a contract with Jiangnan Shipyard to deliver two newbuilt LPG-fueled vessels. This will be a pioneering project in the gas shipping industry. LPG as a marine fuel has superior environmental benefits; it does not contain sulfur, substantially reduces CO2 and NOx emissions, and almost halves the emissions of particulate matter compared to conventional marine fuel engines.