Burckhardt Compression received the first order for the fuel gas compressor system Laby® -GI for two LNG carriers.
This marks a major milestone for Burckhardt Compression in setting up a compressor business for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly propulsion systems for gas-operated marine diesel engines. The compressor system will inject boil-off gas into the ME-GI dual-fuel two-stroke engine from MAN Diesel & Turbo.
The customer has chosen the most fuel-efficient and low-emission propulsion solution available in the market today for their two recently ordered LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers. It consists of the ME-GI engine from MAN Diesel & Turbo and the fuel gas compressor system Laby® -GI from Burckhardt Compression. The two gas carriers have each a capacity of 170’000 cubic meters.
The fully balanced compressor system will inject boil-off gas into the ME-GI dual-fuel two-stroke engine. The ME-GI system can alternatively be operated with ecological natural gas or heavy fuel oil. Thanks to the reliquefaction option, it is the most flexible propulsion solution in the LNG carrier market and operates with a minimum of emissions. Stricter environmental regulations and increasing fuel oil prices demand such new propulsion solutions.
Marcel Pawlicek, CEO at Burckhardt Compression states: “With this first order we have achieved a major milestone. It reinforces our aim to achieve together with MAN Diesel & Turbo a significant market share for the ME-GI propulsion system for LNG carriers.”
MAN Diesel & Turbo has built up a strong relationship with the Swiss reciprocating compressor manufacturer Burckhardt Compression over the past years to fine-tune the engine and fuel gascompressor system. This has produced a noncomplex compressor system with a sophisticated control system and lowest demands on the crew for operating and maintenance. Based on proventechnology, the Laby®-GI Compressor provides fuel gas to the propulsion system with highest efficiency at lowest operating cost. The fully balanced design, resulting in the elimination of unbalanced moments and forces, makes this type of compressor the perfect solution in marine environments.
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, May 16, 2013; Image: Burckhardt Compression