Demand Increases for LNG Vessels in Marine Sector

UK-based manufacturer of cryogenic valves Bestobell Marine has seen a major increase in demand for its cryogenic valves from the marine sector in the US.

This is largely due to the new Emissions Control Areas (ECA) which is increasing the number of dual-fuel vessels being commissioned which require cryogenic valves.

One of the first major contracts that Bestobell secured in the marine sector in the US was for the Harvey Gulf International Marine ‘Going Green’ project.   Five vessels were designed and built which were the first US flagged vessels capable of operating exclusively on natural gas.  The first of these, Harvey Energy, has recently been launched.

Bestobell Marine supplied globe and check valves for the ship’s LNGPac fuel system for the five Harvey Gulf vessels.

Duncan Gaskin, Sales Director at Bestobell, said: “It is very exciting to have supplied the first US flag vessels that will run primarily on LNG. Ship builders and owners are increasingly opting for fuel efficient LNG and this kind of vessel is a blueprint for the future of marine engineering.”

Duncan adds: “These vessels meet the emissions standards of today and the future.  They are some of the most environmentally friendly offshore vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, demonstrating Harvey Gulf’s commitment to sustainability.”

In addition, Bestobell Marine has won the contract to supply valves to two Orca Class vessels, operated by Totem Ocean Trailer Express (Totem Ocean) in Alaska, which are undergoing conversion, as they do not currently run on LNG. When they are relaunched they will be some of the most environmentally advanced ships in the US. TOTE Inc. which is one of the US’ leading marine transportation companies, is in the process of converting its existing fleet to run on natural gas as part of its commitment to the environment. 

Bestobell’s cryogenic valves are specifically designed for marine applications, which includes the very important requirement for the valves to have firesafe properties, whereby all components must be able to withstand a minimum temperature of 925oC (as per the interim IGF code).

Bestobell is a world-leader in the manufacture of LNG cryogenic valves, with over 50 years industrial gas experience and 15 years’ successfully supplying to LNG marine markets.  Bestobell’s Valves are widely used on LNG Carriers, FLNG (Floating Production & Storage Units) and FSRUs (Floating, Storage & Re-gasification Units). 

The company designs and produces valves to meet specific requirements in the marine sector and has supplied cryogenic valves to a majority of the major shipyards building LNG Carriers.