Babcock LGE has announced its first contract for the new ecoAPEX reliquefaction architecture. An East-Asian shipyard, acting on behalf of shipowner Thenamaris LNG, has commissioned the system for three Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), each with a capacity of 90,000 cubic meters. The scope of the contract includes the Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply Systems for these vessels.
The ecoAPEX technology is designed to enhance reliquefaction efficiency by up to 33%, while simultaneously reducing the energy required for the process by approximately 25%. This innovation addresses an inherent challenge in dual-fuel gas carriers, where energy is typically expended to cool boil-off gas back into liquid form.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development signals a move towards more energy-efficient and potentially greener shipping options, particularly for the transport of ammonia. While not directly impacting immediate rates or capacity, the adoption of such technologies could contribute to lower operational costs for carriers in the long term, which might indirectly influence freight pricing or the availability of more sustainable shipping services. It also highlights the industry's ongoing efforts to decarbonize and optimize vessel operations, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
