First air-lubricated LNG carrier joins Maran Gas fleet

Ordered by Maran Gas in June 2016 from South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), the LNG carrier has GTT No96 membrane cargo containment technology, with a capacity of 173,400 m³.

Using DSME ALS, an air lubrication system developed by DSME, the Greece-flag LNG carrier is expected to reduce its fuel consumption by more than 5% compared with similar vessels not using the energy-saving technology.
The air lubrication system injects air into the bottom of the ship to create a continuous air layer between the hull and seawater, improving fuel efficiency by reducing frictional resistance during operation. DSME ALS also has an integrated control system that can monitor and adjust the system in real-time to improve fuel efficiency.

Air lubrication technology has been used successfully on container ships, LPG carriers and tankers.

DSME reported that Maran Gas was so satisfied with the fuel savings the ship exhibited during a trial run in October that it has asked for the air lubrication system to be installed on subsequent ships. Maran Gas has orders for 12 LNG carriers and one floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) at DSME, with deliveries extending into 2022. All of the vessels have low-speed, dual fuel propulsion systems.

With delivery scheduled for April 2020, the FSRU, Hull No 2477, will be bareboat chartered to US-based Excelerate Energy for five years. Excelerate holds an option to purchase the vessel.

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