At Gastech 2023, Shell unveiled its new modular hybrid electric LNG carrier design together with CSSC Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and Wärtsilä.

For partners Shell, Wärtsilä, and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, the release of a new modular hybrid electric LNG carrier is the culmination of a multi-year cooperation effort. The design provides an increase of 9,000cbm of cargo capacity below deck, enabled by a highly compact and fully electrified propulsion power system. A reduction in equipment weight of over 40% compared to today’s standard LNG propulsion system, meaning the extra capacity can be accommodated without affecting the vessel’s displacement, draft or hull performance and ensures it is suited to standard large LNG terminals.

For Shell, the immediate benefits are higher trading revenue, lower unit freight costs and reduced emissions per ton mile. In presenting the Gastech paper, Leonidas Koulouridis, Project Manager for Decarbonisation in Shell Shipping & Maritime, said: “The design will allow reduction in engine room space and increase in cargo capacity up to 185,000m3 for the same principal dimension and similar vessel displacement based on current 174,000m3 LNG carriers. This will support a reduction in unit freight cost and CO2 intensity today.”