SHANGHAI, China – GE Marine, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) and Lloyd’s Register announce they have jointly developed a design for a gas turbine-powered LNG carrier. This unique carrier will provide low life cycle cost, high environmental performance and flexible design.

“We are excited to team with one of China’s largest shipyards and a leading maritime classification agency on this conceptual design,” said Brien Bolsinger, Vice President Marine Operations, GE Marine, Evendale, Ohio, USA. “By employing GE gas turbines, this LNG carrier design will address increasingly stringent worldwide environmental regulations, while providing owners and operators reduced life cycle costs.”

The initial LNG carrier design will be built around a GE gas turbine-based COGES (COmbined Gas turbine Electric and Steam) system that will feature one 25-megawatt gas turbine, one steam turbine generator-set and two dual-fuel diesel generator-sets for low power operation and backup. However, the carrier will allow for flexible configuration of prime movers, offering a total installed power of more than 50 MW, if required. The GE gas turbines can be equipped with a GE Dry Low Emissions (DLE) or single annular combustion system -- both capable of meeting Tier III IMO/Tier IV United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements now with no exhaust treatment and no methane slip.

“Trends indicate more LNG carriers will be needed to meet growing global demand. China will also require more and more LNG carriers over the next 10 years to meet the country’s growing energy needs,” said Yu Fengping, president of DSIC, Dalian, China. “DSIC is committed to develop next generation LNG carriers, which are equipped with new technology solutions, such as a GE COGES power and propulsion system. With innovative products and services, we can meet the most stringent global emission regulations, and enhance ship owners and operators’ competitiveness.”

According to Mr. Nicholas Brown, Lloyd’s Register, London, United Kingdom, the company recently spearheaded and completed a preliminary hazard identification (HAZID) study, the first in a series of studies to be performed on the COGES LNG carrier. “This study delved into the carrier’s hazardous areas, structural integrity, safe separation, pipe routing and ventilation. The studies will help mature the design and minimize risk for the COGES LNG carrier system,” he added. Lloyd’s Register will contribute a series of risk assessment studies during the design development leading to a safety case document that meets, or exceeds, the most onerous bidding qualification requirements of Oil Majors for new technologies for shipping for LNG projects.

Additional Gas Turbine Benefits

• Emissions: NOX emissions from GE gas turbines are inherently low compared to traditional diesels. To date, GE has manufactured 835 DLE systems for its aeroderivative gas turbines. Combined, this fleet has accumulated nearly 18 million operating hours.
• Fuels flexibility: GE gas turbines operate on a variety of fuels, including Marine Gas Oil, biodiesel, bio-synthetic paraffinic kerosene blends and natural gas. Fuel flexibility is even more beneficial today as commercial ship operators adopt dual-fuel operating scenarios to meet new emissions regulations.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Even while operating at full power, 100% of the time, combustor and hot section repair intervals can stretch to 25,000 hours when burning natural gas. 
• Increased availability: GE gas turbines offer easy maintenance and scheduled inspections.  When engine overhaul is required, the gas turbine can be changed-out in 24 hours and replaced by a spare unit.  This approach ensures the highest quality service and highest availability for the ship, since full power is always available from the installed engines.

• Reliability: Built incorporating the latest aircraft engine design technologies, quality requirements and corrosion resistant materials, each GE gas turbine provides maximum reliability and parts life along with outstanding performance.

About GE Marine

GE Marine Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine products and services, including aeroderivative gas turbines ranging from 4.5 MW to 42.7 MW. For more information, visit ge.com/marine.

About Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd

Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd (DSIC) was established in 1898. She is the biggest shipbuilding yard with the most comprehensive range of various products in China. Main businesses include shipbuilding, offshore engineering and construction, ship repair conversion recycling and heavy industry.

About Lloyd’s Register

Lloyd's Register provides independent assurance to companies operating high-risk, capital-intensive assets in the energy and transportation sectors. We enhance the safety of life, property and the environment by helping our clients to ensure the quality construction and operation of critical infrastructure.