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Technology group Wartsila reports that it has received the milestone 100th order for its LNGPac fuel gas handling system.

Two new shuttle tankers being built for Singapore-based AET Tankers are to feature Wartsila 34DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines running primarily on LNG fuel, and fitted with LNGPac units. The contract brought the total number of orders received for the LNGPac system to 100.

First introduced in 2009, Wartsila says LNGPac has played a key role in establishing the viability of LNG as a marine fuel.

The system comprises a bunkering station, the LNG fuel tank and related process equipment, as well as the control and monitoring system. The LNGPac fuel system can be offered as a standalone product, or as part of a complete propulsion system.

"A major reason for the global acceptance of LNG fuel for shipping is that Wartsila realised at an early stage that more than just a dual-fuel engine and a stand-alone LNG system was needed. LNG fuelled ships require a complete fuel handling system, and the innovative LNGPac system very successfully meets this requirement," explained Mathias Jansson, General Manager, Fuel Gas Supply Systems, Wartsila Marine Solutions.

The first LNGPac installation was for the chemical tanker Bit Viking, owned by Swedish operator Tarbit. The vessel was converted for LNG fuel operation in 2011.

Today the LNGPac is installed on some 12 or more different types of vessel, including passenger ferries, tugs, dredgers and offshore vessels. Wartsila says it is able to deliver LNG systems for propulsion and power generation for any applicable type of ship or engine.

Product development

Since the original introduction of the LNGPac, Wartsila has also continued to develop the system. The company has, for example, pioneered the utilisation of the cold energy stored in LNG by using it to cool the onboard HVAC and galley system.

Another achievement has been the development of a compact LNGPac with an integrated gas valve unit (GVU) and airlock. The inline tank connection space for single shell tanks has been developed, as has been a dedicated LNG fuel pump based on deepwell pump technology.

As the maritime industry moves into a new era of connectivity and digitalisation, Wartsila is developing more smart features for the LNGPac, such as energy content measurement and real-time gas quality measurement.

The LNGPac system can be customised to the needs of each project on a case-by-case basis. Dedicated engineering is conducted from the beginning of the project to match the specific operational requirements, safety and classification society requirements.

Wartsila offers optimised maintenance agreements, including condition-based monitoring (CBM), for the LNGPac system.