Compact Reliq selected for new LNG carriers

The Compact Reliq solution is based on the reversed nitrogen Brayton cycle refrigeration technology. The solution is designed to reliquefy the boil-off gas (BOG) from gas carriers and LNG bunker vessels, keeping the cargo cool under all operating conditions. It allows a portion of the BOG to be used as fuel for the ship’s engines, with the excess able to be sold as part of the LNG cargo.

“The first generation nitrogen based reliquefaction plants is highly reliable, efficient and of good quality, so we had no hesitation in selecting the Compact Reliq for these new LNG carriers,” said Jarle Østenstad, newbuilding director, Knutsen OAS Group.

The system will be configured for remote monitoring and online operational support as part of Wärtsilä’s Operational Performance Improvement and Monitoring (OPERIM) programme. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard in February 2022 and the vessels are expected to begin commercial operations from late 2022.

Wärtsilä has previously supplied Knutsen OAS Shipping with earlier generation reliquefaction plants for six of the company’s vessels.