Growing demand for FGSS from Alfa Laval (FCM LPG)

Alfa Laval is experiencing increased demand for FGSS solutions related to LPG as fuel. Recent months have seen notable orders for the Alfa Laval FCM LPG, a low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS). It can work seamlessly with LPG cargo handling systems.

Wait. What is the FGSS?

Fuel supply systems on the path to sustainability

Note that LPG has a lower CO₂ footprint compared to traditional marine fuels. Thus, it is a logical step in decarbonizing the vessels that transport it. The FCM LPG can be a key enabler in moving to LPG as fuel. Therefore, combining Alfa Laval’s expertise in fuel conditioning and engine-related applications with a high degree of flexibility. The system’s LFSS core is surrounded by an adaptable framework. Hence, allowing it to be tightly integrated with the cargo handling system.

Orders from prominent actors in the LPG market validate the success of this approach. TGE Marine Gas Engineering is a market-leading supplier of liquefied gas cargo handling systems. They included the FCM LPG in its delivery scope for 3 LPG carriers. Particularly, one 40,000 m3 and two 93,000 m3 which have scheduled construction in China during 2022. More recently, Alfa Laval received an FCM LPG order from one Japanese customer. They requested to integrate the FGSS with the cargo handling system of a newly designed 87,000 m3 VLGCs under construction in Japan.

“As we develop for methanol and prepare for carbon-free ammonia, we are also supporting today’s lower-carbon alternatives, which include LPG on the vessels that carry it… We see a positive response to our LFSS technology from partners.”

Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply systems, Alfa Laval

LPG solutions for fuel and cargo

Despite the demand for FGSS, the FCM LPG is not Alfa Laval’s only engine-related solution for LPG as fuel. On LPG-powered vessels that use Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) to curb NOx emissions; Alfa Laval PureNOx LS provides effective cleaning of the EGR bleed-off water. Developed in cooperation with MAN Energy Solutions, PureNOx LS uses high-efficiency centrifugal separation. Hence, in combination with a coagulant, which lowers operating costs by eliminating secondary cleaning and the need for filters.

Moreover, Alfa Laval maintains a strong portfolio of solutions used in LPG cargo handling systems. These include the company’s robust semi-welded heat exchangers, which are a critical component in the FCM LPG but also a frequent choice for LPG cargo handling systems, due to their resistance to vibrations and pressure cycles. Reliability is also a proven element of the Alfa Laval Smit LPG system, an inert gas system that ensures vital cargo safety and efficient operations through its high availability.

Source: Alfa Laval