Navigator Gas has signed an agreement with Everllence PrimeServ, the after-sales division of Everllence, to convert two of its liquefied-gas carriers, the *Navigator Nova* and *Navigator Prominence*, to utilize ethane as fuel. This project leverages the extensive operational experience gained from the *Navigator Aurora*, which underwent an identical conversion by Everllence in 2018 and has been successfully operating on ethane for eight years.
The conversion process will involve retrofitting the vessels' existing Everllence B&W 6S50ME-GI Mk8.2 engines to ME-GIE (Gas Injection Ethane) units. These upgrades are designed to ensure compliance with IMO Tier II emission standards. COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries (CSHI) will perform the physical conversion work.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies a growing trend towards alternative marine fuels, particularly in specialized shipping segments like liquefied gas transport. While not directly impacting immediate container or air cargo rates, it highlights the industry's ongoing efforts to decarbonize. The adoption of ethane as a marine fuel can contribute to reduced emissions, potentially influencing future regulatory landscapes and the availability of 'green' shipping options. Forwarders handling project cargo or specialized chemicals might see an increase in vessels capable of meeting stricter environmental requirements, which could become a factor in carrier selection and routing decisions as shippers seek to lower their supply chain's carbon footprint.
