A New Fortress Energy steam turbine driven LNG carrier being used as a floating storage unit is to be retrofitted with a reliquefaction system in an effort to save boil-off gas.
Marine technology provider Wartsila said it will supply the reliquefaction system to the 145,879-cbm steamship Energos Grand (ex-NFE Grand, built 2006).
The equipment is due for delivery during the second half of 2024.
The LNG carrier is owned by Energos Infrastructure and is on charter to New Fortress. It is currently working as an FSU off New Fortress’ La Paz terminal in Baja, Mexico.
Wartsila said the system will allow the boil-off gas from the LNG onboard to be reliquefied and returned to the cargo tanks rather than being wasted.
“The solution contributes to a significant reduction in emissions and creates cost savings, as well as optimising the LNG cargo level,” it said.
Energos was set up in August 2022 when New Fortress teamed up with asset management company in a $2bn joint venture to spin off its 11 LNG marine assets. These comprise two LNG carriers, six floating, storage and regasification units and three floating storage units.
New Fortress, which has a 20% stake in Energos with the balance held by Apollo funds, chartered back 10 of the vessels for periods of up to 20 years.
Tim Twomey, senior vice president fleet technical at Energos Infrastructure, described Wartsila as a “critical partner” for its conversion projects.
Pal Steinnes, head of sales and business development midstream at Wartsila Gas Solutions, said: “This project shows New Fortress Energy’s and Energos’ commitment to improving the environmental profile of their fleet.”
Steinnes said the company’s compact reliquefaction technology combines cost-efficiency with low maintenance to deliver a solid environmental and commercial return.
