Azbil Corporation received an order from Japan Marine United Corporation for the integrated automation system of LNG carriers to be deployed for a U.S. shale gas LNG project.
After construction, the LNG carrier is slated to transport liquefied natural gas mainly from the U.S. as part of the Cove Point project. The LNG carrier will be equipped with a tri-fuel diesel electric (TFDE) propulsion system, which is capable of using low-sulfur oil as a fuel, in order to comply with U.S. coastal environmental regulations. It also features a heat-insulated tank that boasts the world’s lowest boil-off rate (BOR). Consequently, the LNG carrier is expected to provide excellent fuel efficiency and dramatically reduced environmental impact.
Azbil Corporation will deliver its Marine-DEO™ integrated automation system for the LNG carrier. The system will monitor and control cargo tank containment system, cargo handling equipment and gas supply system to diesel generator engines in the TFDE system, as well as electric power supply to the electric propulsion system. Azbil Corporation will also provide engineering assistance and trial run support for the system.
The LNG carrier requires advanced control technologies in order to safely transport LNG, which is cooled and liquefied to extremely low temperatures. Azbil Corporation has supplied marine monitoring and control systems for more than 100 LNG carriers for many years in the past, and has also provided onboard equipment, such as instruments and control valves, as well as maintenance services.
Press Release, August 19, 2014; Image: Azbil