BP Takes Delivery of World’s Largest LNG Carrier

BP Shipping took delivery this week of the British Emerald, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC), the first in a series of dual-fuel diesel-electric gas ships. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, Korea, at 155,000 cubic metres she is the largest LNGC to date.

The design and construction of this technologically advanced vessel is more fuel efficient than comparable LNG carriers, which will result in reduced fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The dual-fuel technology allows the diesel engines to run on “boil-off” gases from the cargo tanks or on conventional diesel fuel. The vessel will burn 40 tonnes per day (tpd) less than a conventional LNGC of similar size which would burn about 180 tpd.

Being powered by four diesel-electric engines also provides a significant improvement in propulsion redundancy and the vessel is equipped with a bow thruster to assist in mooring operations.

The British Emerald and her sister ships have an overall length of 288m and a breadth of 44.2m.

The 23 man crew will put the vessel though an extensive commissioning programme lasting approximately 10 days prior to entering service. BP intends to trade this vessel world-wide.

This vessel is the first of a fleet of four “Gem” class LNG carriers; British Diamond, British Ruby and British Sapphire will be delivered in 2008.