Babcocks first LPG FGSS systems enter service

The LPG carriers range in size from 38,000m³ to 90,000m³, and and have been delivered from shipyards in South Korea and China. Babcock announced the delivery of its first ecoFGSS system in April 2021.

The three carriers each used a different version of the ecoFGSS system, underlining the system’s flexibility. The versions include:

• Deck mounted Low Pressure (LP) pumps (for LPG at ambient temperature)
• In-Deck tank LP pumps (for LPG at ambient temperature)
• In-Cargo tank LP pumps (for fully refrigerated LPG)

Each of the designs has been fully integrated with the LPG carrier’s cargo handling system, which has also been provided by LGE. The systems have been successfully trialled across the range of main engine operating loads, and they are all now fully operational in service.

Neale Campbell, Babcock LGE Managing Director, said: “This milestone confirms LGE’s market leading position in the LPG Fuel Gas Supply System market. It also leads the way for the delivery of a further 18 Fuel Gas Supply Systems currently on order to be delivered through to 2023, at various shipyards and for multiple shipowners.”

The supplier has now received 21 orders for its ecoFGSS to date. In April, LGE announced the signature of frame agreements with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Under the frame agreements, LGE was selected as a preferred supplier for the design and supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cargo handling systems for Very Large Gas Carriers and Mid-size Gas Carriers.

The experience gained in the development of LPG FGSS also places LGE at the forefront of development of new ammonia-ready designs.