First Container Ship with Auxiliary LNG Power

Reederei Stefan Patjens is to retrofit a 5,000 TEU container vessel, the MV Maersk Drury for LNG operation.When completed on scheduled in 2012, it will be the very first use of LNG as a fuel on board a container ship and of LNG as a fuel in worldwide trading. The LNG fuel storage achieved using only containers. Only two of the four main MAN 7L27/38 generators will be converted for dual fuel operation as well as its auxiliary boiler will be modified.

Announced during the recent SMM exhibition in Hamburg, the third generation German family container fleet owner Reederei Stefan Patjens is to retrofit a 5,000 TEU container vessel, the MV Maersk Drury for LNG operation.

The 5,000 TEU container ship was built in 2006 by Hyundai Heavy Ind., has a LOA of 295m and dwt of 53,911. Classification society DNV has already been working with MAN, Maersk and TGE Marine Gas Engineering for six months on this project. When completed on scheduled in 2012, according to DNV, it will be the very first use of LNG as a fuel on board a container ship and of LNG as a fuel in worldwide trading.

Concerning the changes required to facilitate LNG operation, apart from the technical changes to the two auxiliary diesel generator engines, the modifications will convert cargo space next to the engine room into a gas technology room with the LNG fuel storage achieved using only containers. This greatly simplifies bunkering and loss of cargo space will be minimal.

Only two of the four main MAN 7L27/38 generators will be converted for dual fuel operation as well as its auxiliary boiler will be modified. After the change, when the ship is in harbor, it will have access to its own clean fuel for energy production and will also be better prepared for sailing through ECAs (Emission Control Areas).

Stefan Patjens, Managing Director and owner of Reederei Stefan Patjens said that they had decided not to wait for further improvements but instead, wanted to participate in the improvements themselves. Acknowledging that this is an introductory phase and not the final solution for container shipping, it is nevertheless a step forward towards a new solution.