Dorian LPG Hires ABS to Study the Use of LPG as Marine Fuel

US-based ship owner and operator Dorian LPG has engaged the classification society ABS to evaluate the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a marine fuel, among other options.

ABS will provide an in-depth engineering and economic analysis to assess the costs and benefits for Dorian LPG’s fleet of very large gas carriers (VLGCs) of using LPG to meet the new global emissions standards.

If the economic viability of LPG as a bunker fuel is established, the company believes that “it could represent a significantly more attractive and cost effective alternative to the current methods available to comply with the coming emissions regime for environmental control areas.”

The move was made ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandate to reduce sulfur emissions by some 85%.

ABS’ work will consider the environmental, operational and financial impact of LPG as a marine fuel and deliver its findings in the coming months.

As part of its newbuilding program, Dorian LPG proactively made certain enhancements to its VLGC design to allow it to have the option to use LPG as a marine fuel in the future.

“We believe that the relevant technologies are sufficiently advanced to allow a meaningful analysis of this environmentally friendly and cost effective fuel. If the study proves the commercial viability of LPG for marine fuel use, the company will be at the forefront of this innovation,” John Hadjipateras, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dorian LPG, said.