Elcano Shipping Orders Two High-Efficiency LNG Carriers from Imabari Shipyard
The Elcano Shipping Company has commissioned two large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from the Imabari shipyard in Japan. These vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2017, will be among the largest of their kind to cross the Panama Canal after its expansion. Each LNG carrier will have a capacity of 178,000 cubic meters.
The contract was signed in late April 2014 and has been developed by Imabari. The construction of the new third-generation vessels has been assigned to the Seijo shipyard, a subsidiary of Imabari Shipbuilding Co., which will be chartered to Gas Natural under long-term contracts.
The LNG carriers will feature advanced technology, including a GTT Mark III Flex insulation system and MEGI gas injection propulsion. This will result in significant fuel savings compared to similar vessels powered by steam turbines, with a 40% reduction in consumption.