AiP for dual-fuel conversion and extension of containerships

GTT carried out the LNG Mark III membrane tank design while its integration into the ship was designed and validated by Alwena Shipping. CHI Zhoushan shipyard validated the operational aspects of the project, including the work sequence, planning and workforce resources.

The length increase of the ship, combined with the LNG conversion of the propulsion and electrical generation systems enables a reduction in the operating costs that limits the financial impact of the immobilisation period required for the retrofit.

The retrofit will ensure compliance with IMO’s new EEXI and CII regulations, and the partners say that LNG propulsion offers shipowners a solution to comply with the environmental regulations being adopted by the IMO by 2045. In comparison with a conventional fuel-powered container ship, the converted vessel reduces CO₂ emissions by around 23% over an 83-day Europe-Asia return trip (port calls included).

BV confirmed the conception of the retrofit, as well as the layout of the LNG fuel containment system and gas fuel supply system supported by an auxiliary safety system in accordance with the IGF Code and BV Rule NR 529.

Ludovic Gérard, President of Alwena Shipping, said: “This project is remarkable in many ways: while switching to a transition fuel offering reductions in CO₂, particulate and NOx emissions, this concept approved by Bureau Veritas also extends the life of the vessels converted and increases container capacity thus contributing to reducing the tension on the container transport markets.”

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said: “After the successful LNG exoskeleton retrofit of the Brussels Express, GTT proposes here a model enabling to finance the conversion operation by a vessel cargo capacity increase.”

The 15,000 teu Brussels Express was converted to gas operation in 2020 at Huarun Dadong Dockyard in Shanghai.