Swiss compression specialist, Burckhardt Compression, recently secured a contract to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) boil-off-gas handling compressors for eight LNG carriers constructed by South Korea’s shipbuilder, Hanwha Ocean. This marks the Swiss company’s entry into the market for boil-off gas handling compression solutions for LNG carriers with low-pressure two-stroke engines. The new vessels will feature low-pressure propulsion complemented by Hanwha Ocean’s reliquefaction system.
Fabrice Billard, CEO of Burckhardt Compression, expressed excitement about the order, stating that it expands their product range to cater to the changing needs of the marine industry and solidifies their position in the LNG market. He emphasized that their compressors play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the industry.
Burckhardt’s compression solution boasts dry-running cylinders on all stages, a compact design, and higher efficiency. The compressors are designed to elevate LNG boil-off gas to 150 bar pressure, showcasing their cutting-edge technology and performance capabilities.
In a related development, Hanwha Ocean’s rotor sail technology onboard LNG carriers recently received approvals from the French classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) and the Liberian Registry. These approvals validate the technical viability and safety of the innovative technology, further enhancing the efficiency and eco-friendliness of LNG carrier operations.
This collaboration between Burckhardt Compression and Hanwha Ocean highlights the ongoing efforts within the maritime industry to adopt sustainable practices and leverage advanced solutions to optimize operations. As the demand for LNG continues to grow, partnerships like this play a crucial role in supporting the industry’s evolution towards greener and more efficient transportation methods.