Babcock tech ordered for Shell-chartered LNG vessels

Babcock’s LGE business, a liquefied gas solutions specialist, has secured five supply contracts for its LNG Boil-Off Gas (BOG) reliquefaction technology.

The latest ecoSMRT orders will be delivered to newbuild LNG carriers built at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Four of the five LNG carriers to be fitted with Babcock’s systems are for charter to Shell Tankers (Singapore) and will be delivered from 2022 to multiple ship owners.

This will bring the number of Shell-chartered ecoSMRT vessels to over 20, Babcock said in its statement.

A further order has been placed with shipowner Sovcomflot for its latest LNG carrier newbuild at HHI. This order marks the 50th contract win for ecoSMRT, a significant milestone in the rollout of this LNG reliquefaction technology, Babcock claims.

With each system capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 19,000 tonnes per year, ecoSMR also plays an important role in managing LNG carrier emissions, the statement reads.

The system maximises vessels’ operating lifecycle and supports the marine industry’s transition towards a net-zero future, Babcock said.

Babcock LGE recorded multiple liquefied gas handling and reliquefaction system orders across the LPG, LNG and ethane markets in 2020.

With these latest project awards, as well as multiple development projects currently underway – all geared towards the net-zero carbon future of maritime – the business is in an exciting phase of development, the company said.