Svanehøj breakthrough in container market

The scope for each vessel comprises two EFP 24-5 LNG fuel pumps (22 m) with caisson, foot valves and control systems. Delivery is scheduled to complete by the end of 2023.

“The two orders are a breakthrough for us and the result of a very constructive dialogue with shipyards and shipping companies,” said Johnny Houmann, sales director at Svanehøj.

“Our deepwell pumps are different from the pumps traditionally used on container vessels. This has some obvious benefits that we have had an excellent opportunity to present in the process,” he added.

Compared with other fuel pumps, Svanehøj’s deepwell fuel pumps are said to operate with significantly longer service intervals, which means only two pumps per ship are required instead of the usual three. Futhermore, the pumps are designed to be serviced immediately without having to spend time emptying the tank of gas.

The market for container ships is growing rapidly. In just eight months, the orderbook-to-fleet ratio for container vessels has increased from 8.8% to almost 20% with several of the largest container shipping companies also announcing they are investing in LNG dual-fuel technology.

“The interest in LNG has never been greater, and with the new orders as a backrest, we are now directing an increased focus on the container segment,” said Johnny Houmann. “We are also participating in projects on ammonia-fuelled engines, which is considered by many to be the best option for the CO2 neutral fuel of the future,” he added.