ABS classes biggest LNG fuelled ethane carrier

The Navigator Aurora is the first of four Navigator Gas vessels set to be delivered with ABS Class during 2016 and early 2017.

Kirsi Tikka, ABS executive vice president of Global Marine, said: “The dynamics of the global gas industry demand a commitment to developing novel projects to take advantage of new opportunities.”

He added: “As a leader in classing the most advanced gas projects in the world, ABS is proud to work with Navigator Gas, Jiangnan Shipyard, and all stakeholders in making the Navigator Aurora a success.”

The vessel is fitted with dual fuel engines that enable the ship to operate on either diesel fuel or LNG, making it capable of meeting the most stringent current and future air emissions requirements.

“In the coming years, we expect to see many more projects being developed to service the expanding gas export market from the United States,” said Patrick Janssens, ABS vice president of Global Gas Solutions.

He added: “With our experience with the latest technologies for gas carriers and LNG fuelled ships, we are well positioned to assist our clients with their new projects.”

“Our strong presence in the US and longstanding history of assisting industry stakeholders with understanding United States Coast Guard regulations make us the obvious choice for companies that need to support vessels operating in US waters.”

Navigator Aurora represents another milestone for ABS in the gas industry with projects like the recently announced Joint Development Project to develop an LNG-fuelled dry bulk carrier concept and the first shipment of LNG from Sabine Pass.