Alfa Laval Wins Order For 3 LPG Fuel Supply Systems In Expanding Japanese Market

Alfa Laval has received an order for three units of the Alfa Laval FCM LPG, the low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) developed in partnership with MAN Energy Solutions. By selecting the FCM LPG, owners of LPG carriers can combine their cargo handling system of choice with an LFSS built on fuel treatment expertise and proven experience with engine applications.

Knowledge to secure engine performance

The LFSS order was signed in December 2020 with IMEX Co., Ltd., which builds MAN Energy Solutions licenced engines in Japan as a subsidiary company of Hitachi Zosen Corporation. The order comprises three Alfa Laval FCM LPG systems that will be installed on three Japanese LPG carriers.

Using LPG cargo as fuel is an attractive solution on such vessels, since it reduces SOx emissions to near zero and provides easy compliance with the global sulphur cap. The LFSS will be integrated in the cargo handling system with significant advantages that come from relying on an experienced fuel treatment supplier.

Image Credits: Alfa Laval

“LPG as fuel is a new application with demonstrated challenges, such as the risk of interruptions and unplanned fuel changes if the filtration is insufficient to remove LPG’s impurities,” says Alfa Laval’s Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation. “The FCM LPG builds on Alfa Laval’s deep fuel treatment knowledge and our long history with engine applications, but it also works seamlessly with the shipowner’s chosen cargo handling system.”

Smooth integration with the cargo handling system

The flexibility of the FCM LPG comes from its smart design. Essentially, the LFSS core developed by Alfa Laval and tested with MAN Energy Solutions is placed within an adaptable system framework. This makes it easy to match both the available space and the cargo handling equipment.

“The FCM LPG can be adapted to the layout and routines of any cargo handling system,” says Friberg. “This ensures complete integration and flawless operation – so the LPG carrier experiences the best of both worlds.”

Delivery with MAN B&W ME-LGIP engines

The three FCM LPG modules will be delivered to IMEX beginning in Q4 2021. After each engine is tested, it will be moved with the FCM LPG system to Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for installation.

“These will be the first ME-LGIP engines delivered for us by IMEX,” says Kjeld Aabo, Director New Technology 2-stroke at MAN Energy Solutions. “We are pleased to see the LPG market expand in Japan, and we know from a long history of working together that Alfa Laval provides excellent support to our manufacturing licensees. Alfa Laval has been a strong partner to MAN Energy Solutions throughout the fuel line development for our ME-LGIP engine design.”

From methanol and LPG to tomorrow’s ammonia

As emission limits and climate goals cause marine fuels to diversify, Alfa Laval is supporting a wide variety of fuel choices under the Fuel Conditioning Module (FCM) concept. Alfa Laval FCM Methanol systems, for example, are now approaching 100,000 running hours. LPG is an important fuel in its own right, but it also represents an important step on the path to ammonia.

“Ammonia is widely seen as the ideal fuel for tomorrow’s zero-carbon operations,” says Friberg. “Marine engines that run on ammonia will be available in less than three years, and Alfa Laval will be ready. Due to technical similarities between LPG and ammonia operation, the FCM LPG has been a powerful springboard for our ongoing development of an ammonia fuel supply system.”

Press Release

Source: Maritime Shipping News