HHI delivers improved LNG vessel to Norwegian company

Hyundai Heavy Industries handed over a liquefied natural gas carrier equipped with a gas treatment system designed by the company to Norwegian firm Knutsen, the company said Monday.

Hyundai’s gas treatment system allows the vessel to completely reliquefy evaporated gas and collect it in a storage tank. The independent operation of the two core parts -- a high pressure compressor for evaporated gas and LNG fuel supply equipment -- also ensures the operation of the system in emergency circumstances. 

As LNG carriers are generally equipped with dual fuel engines that allow the selective use of diesel or gas, reliquefaction affects the efficiency of the vessel‘s operation.

The gas treatment system equipped in the 176,000-cube-meter-large LNG carrier is projected to save $1 million in fuel costs each year by reusing 1,600 tons of evaporated gas. Considering that vessels are used for an average of 25 years, the new system will save up to $25 million in total, the company added.

By Lee Hyun-jeong  (rene@heraldcorp.com)