A new-build, dual-fuel gas carrier vessel generates lower CO2 emissions over the course of its operational life than an existing gas carrier converted to dual-fuel operations.
That is the finding of a study by ABS using data based on vessels in the Avance Gas Holding Ltd. (AGH) fleet.
ABS compared potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between a new-build, dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC) and conversion of two AGH VLGCs over 20- and 25-year life cycles, including decommissioning.
The findings indicate that conversion increases emission intensity by between 13.7 and 32.6% over new construction.
Decarbonization pathways are highly complex and challenging to evaluate how to produce the best strategy for reducing the GHG footprint over the lifetime of assets. These decisions matter both to the operational performance of shipping companies and to the environment, as well as to further investments as we embrace carbon economics
stated Georgios Plevrakis, ABS Director, Global Sustainability.
The study compared 20- and 25-year lifecycle emissions from the conversion of AGH’s VLGC Monsoon from the diesel-fired SME engine and the diesel-fired SMC engine VLGC PROMISE to dual-fuel operations with new construction of a dual-fuel vessel with similar specifications to AGH’s LPG gas carrier.
The LPG carrier was evaluated in both virgin steel and 70% recycled steel formulations.
