LR approves ethane transportation solution

Classification society Lloyd's Register (LR) said it has awarded Babcock LGE with Approval in Principle (AiP) for a solution designed to maximize the economic transportation of ethane in very large ethane carriers (VLECs), by combining the reliquefaction and ethane fuel supply systems.

Babcock’s ecoETHN solution separates excess methane from within the cargo boil-off gas (BOG) and feeds this into an ethane-fuelled VLEC engine, thereby reusing the incondensable methane gas as fuel. With no venting to the atmosphere, the industry-first design also minimises greenhouse gas emissions and as a result, the reliquefaction plant can optimize the operation whereby the system only condenses ethane boil-off gas. This is the first time such an application has been developed by the maritime industry, LR said.

LR carried out the appraisal of the system ensuring compliance with LR Rules and IGC Regulations, assessing the technical feasibility of the combined solution for the use of an enriched-methane ethane fuel supply system and maintaining cargo tank temperature/pressure control intended for the new generation of innovative VLECs.

ecoETHN helps owners and operators reduce power consumption within the reliquefaction plant by using excess methane as fuel. The system also presents benefits to ethane liquefaction terminals as it allows a higher content of methane in the ethane cargo and therefore can reduce liquefaction costs. The reception terminal will receive cargoes with a lower methane content, enabling them to produce a higher quality ethane for suppliers.

Neale Campbell, Babcock’s Managing Director, said, “We are delighted that the most recent addition to the Babcock LGE innovative technology portfolio has attracted so much positive attention from ethane producers and shippers in support of the industry-wide approach to reducing emissions and improving whole ship efficiency and effectiveness.”

Andrew McKeran, LR’s Commercial Director, Marine & Offshore, said, “ecoETHN is a first for the industry and we’re incredibly proud to issue an AiP to Babcock LGE for their design. ecoETHN offers clear benefits to a variety of stakeholders, from power saving within the reliquefaction plant for owners, liquefaction terminals reducing costs by producing a higher content of methane in ethane, to terminals which can produce a high-quality ethane for their suppliers. ecoETHN also offers a greener alternative by preventing venting occurring into the atmosphere, reinforcing LR’s commitment to shipping’s transition to decarbonization. We see this a great step in ethane’s journey as a marine fuel.”