BV to class conversion of box ship to LNG fueling

Wes Amelie

SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 — Classification society Bureau Veritas is to class the first-of-its kind conversion of Haren/Ems, Germany, based Wessels Reederei’s 1,036 TEU containership Wes Amelie to LNG as fuel (see earlier story).

The project is sponsored by the German Ministry of Transport and partners are Wessels Reederei, MAN Diesel & Turbo, TGE Marine Gas Engineering, SMB Naval Architects & Consultants and Bureau Veritas.

Philippe Donche-Gay, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division says, “Our experience with this kind of conversion on small scale LNG vessels helps the owners and other partners to move to confidently to this new and cleaner fuel.”

Shipowner Gerd Wessels says, “With the conversion to LNG we and our partners showcase our technical expertise and demonstrate practical environmental solutions for the merchant marine industry.”

The MV Wes Amelie, has an MAN 8L 48/60B four stroke engine driving a controlled pitch propeller via gearing.

MAN will convert the existing engine to a 51/60 DF dual-fuel engine.

The LNG fuel tank of abt. 500 cu m will be located in the fore part of the vessel to limit the loss of cargo capacity.

Tecnitas, the consulting arm of Bureau Veritas, is carrying out risk analyses for the new LNG-asfuel system and operations such as LNG bunkering.

Following the conversion MV Wes Amelie will meet MARPOL Annex 6 Tier III requirements.

The conversion will take place in 2017.