Sign up
Log in Sign up
This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Mon 5 Sep 2016, 10:53 GMT

ABS classes world's largest LNG-powered ethane carrier


Vessel burns LNG, methane, HFO and MGO.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, has classed the world's largest ethane/ethylene-capable liquefied gas carrier, the Navigator Aurora.

As previously reported by Bunker Index, the vessel was delivered to Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai on 2nd August. It has a cargo carrying capacity in excess of 37,000 cubic metres and is fitted with dual fuel engines that enable the ship to operate on either diesel fuel or LNG.

"The dynamics of the global gas industry demand a commitment to developing novel projects to take advantage of new opportunities," said Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President of Global Marine. 2As 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 Navigator Aurora has been chartered for a minimum of 10 years to the European chemical group Borealis for the transport of ethane from the U.S. East Coast to Europe, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.

"In the coming years, we expect to see many more projects being developed to service the expanding gas export market from the United States," remarked ABS Vice President of Global Gas Solutions Patrick Janssens. "With our experience with the latest technologies for gas carriers and LNG fueled 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."

A leading classification body for the safe transport and handling of gas, ABS classed the world's first LNG carrier, the Methane Pioneer, in 1959, and has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets. It recently announced a joint project to develop an LNG-fuelled dry bulk carrier concept and the first shipment of LNG from Sabine Pass.

The ABS Global Gas Solutions Team assists clients around the world in cutting-edge gas projects, including LNG, ethane and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transportation and the expanding use of LNG and other low flash point fuels.

Image: Navigator Aurora


ABS   Bulk carrier   Dual-fuel   LNG   LNG carrier   Milestone  
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for X52DF-A-1.0 engine. WinGD completes factory testing of ammonia-fuelled engine for LPG carrier  

X52DF-A-1.0 engine tested in China ahead of installation on first of four vessels under construction.
Drift Energy energy-harvesting ship render. RINA awards first approval in principle for energy-harvesting ship  

Drift Energy receives certification for vessel design that generates clean energy at sea.
MSC World Europa vessel. MSC Cruises achieves flag state recognition for verified methane emissions data  

Bureau Veritas certifies actual methane slip values for two LNG-fuelled cruise ships.
IBIA and EENMA MoU signing. IBIA and Greek shortsea shipowners sign cooperation agreement  

The International Bunker Industry Association partners with EENMA to support the marine fuels sector.
Hapag-Lloyd and Scan Global Logistics logos. Scan Global Logistics and Hapag-Lloyd expand biofuel partnership to cut shipping emissions  

Collaboration claims to avoid 8,500 tonnes of CO₂e emissions through second-generation biofuels.
Lapis Ace ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation. MOL signs first annual LNG bunkering contract for car carriers in Vancouver  

Japanese shipping company secures year-round fuel supply with Seaspan Energy at Canadian port.
Gasum's LNG bunkering vessel Coralius. Gasum’s maritime bio-LNG sales surge from 0.8% to 12.3% in 2025  

Nordic energy company attributes growth to FuelEU Maritime regulation introduced in 2025.
Port Authority of Valencia board meeting. Valenciaport gives LNG bunkering go-ahead to Shell and Axpo Iberia  

Port authority approves two LNG bunkering authorisations as part of its decarbonisation strategy.
Northern Purpose naming ceremony. BSM enters LCO₂ carrier segment with management of dual-fuel Northern Purpose  

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement takes over first liquefied carbon dioxide carrier for Northern Lights project.
Anna Cosulich vessel. Fratelli Cosulich takes delivery of methanol-ready bunker tanker Anna Cosulich  

Vessel built in China will head to Singapore to support group's bunkering operations.

↑  Back to Top


 Recommended