Japanese shipbuilders develop LNG carriers with improved fuel efficiency

Both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. recently announced separately that they have developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers able to demonstrate a 25-30% fuel efficiency in comparison with conventional vessels. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has plans to build a new steam turbine ship which will contain four LNG cylinder tanks with a hood that will lower head wind pressure. Mitsui Engineering, meanwhile has plans for a new ship design which can use either heavy fuel oil or natural gas, which will allow the operator to choose either fuel based on current prices. (July 12, 2011)