LNG as fuel for ships
The global shipping industry is contending with emissions restrictions imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 2015 in Emission Control Areas and from 2020 for the rest of the world. These regulations, designed to reduce sulfur emissions from ships, have led to a search for cleaner fuel alternatives. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a potential solution due to its minimal sulfur content, low NOx emissions compared to traditional fuels, and possible economic advantages. As a response to these regulatory changes, the use of LNG as a bunker fuel has gained traction.
The transition to using LNG as ship fuel necessitates modifications to vessels. While certain modifications can involve altering the fuel delivery system, others might require adjustments to the engine itself. LR Marine’s Pre-Insulated pipe system has been successfully utilized for Cryogenic pipe Insulation on over 50 LNG vessels, making it a natural choice for LNG propulsion.
Pre-insulated Piping System
LR Marine’s pre-insulated piping systems offer distinct advantages over conventional Cryogenic pipe insulation. Its 100% waterproof bonded system eliminates carrier pipe movement within the insulation, preventing water ingress and mechanical wear. The “Sandwich” construction design also enables reduced complexity and fewer required pipe supports, placed directly on the insulation jacket. As around 90% of the insulation work is done at the LR Marine factory, onsite labor is minimized.