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BP Launches World’s Largest Natural Gas Vehicle

Wednesday, 25 July 2007

Korea, Ulsan

Dual-fuel LNG/Diesel tanker hits the waves

40 Tons of Diesel to Be Saved Per Day

It may not have wheels but it is almost certainly the world’s largest LNG propelled vehicle - BP Shipping took delivery earlier this month of the British Emerald, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC), the first in a series of dual-fuel LNG/diesel-electric gas ships. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, Korea, at 155,000 cubic metres she is the largest LNG carrier to date.

BP says the design and construction of this technologically advanced vessel is more fuel efficient than comparable LNG carriers, which will result in reduced fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The dual-fuel technology allows the diesel engines to run on “boil-off” gases from the cargo tanks or on conventional diesel fuel. The vessel will burn 40 tonnes per day (tpd) less than a conventional LNGC of similar size which would burn about 180 tpd. 
 
Being powered by four diesel-electric engines also provides a significant improvement in propulsion redundancy and the vessel is equipped with a bow thruster to assist in mooring operations. 
 
The British Emerald and her sister ships have an overall length of 288m and a breadth of 44.2m. 
 
The 23 man crew will put the vessel though an extensive commissioning programme lasting approximately 10 days prior to entering service. BP intends to trade the vessel world-wide. 
 
This vessel is the first of a fleet of four “Gem” class LNG carriers; British Diamond, British Ruby and British Sapphire will be delivered in 2008.

Source: NGV Global