ABS Classes World’s Largest LNG Powered Ethane Carrier

(Houston) ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, is pleased to confirm that the ABS-classed Navigator Aurora, the world’s largest ethane/ethylene capable liquefied gas carrier, has been delivered to Navigator Gas by Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, China.

The Navigator Aurora is the first of four Navigator Gas ethane/ethylene midsize vessels to be delivered with ABS Class during 2016 and early 2017. It has a cargo carrying capacity in excess of 37,000 cbm and is fitted with dual fuel engines that enable the ship to operate on either diesel fuel or LNG, making it capable of meeting the most stringent current and future air emissions requirements.

“The dynamics of the global gas industry demand a commitment to developing novel projects to take advantage of new opportunities,” says ABS Executive Vice President of Global Marine Kirsi Tikka. “As a leader in classing the most advanced gas projects in the world, ABS is proud to work with Navigator Gas, Jiangnan Shipyard, and all stakeholders in making the Navigator Aurora a success.”

Development of the vessel focused on opportunities arising from shale gas plays in the United States. The Navigator Aurora has been long-term chartered to export ethane from the United States to Borealis in Sweden.

“In the coming years, we expect to see many more projects being developed to service the expanding gas export market from the United States,” says ABS Vice President of Global Gas Solutions Patrick Janssens. “With our experience with the latest technologies for gas carriers and LNG fueled ships, we are well positioned to assist our clients with their new projects. Our strong presence in the US and longstanding history of assisting industry stakeholders with understanding United States Coast Guard regulations make us the obvious choice for companies that need to support vessels operating in US waters.”

The Navigator Aurora represents another significant milestone for ABS in a long history of serving the gas industry with projects like the recently announced Joint Development Project to develop an LNG-fuelled dry bulk carrier concept and the historic first shipment of liquefied natural gas from Sabine Pass.

A pioneer in classification for the safe transport and handling of gas, ABS classed the world’s first LNG carrier, the Methane Pioneer, in 1959 and has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets, including many of the most advanced carriers in service. The ABS Global Gas Solutions Team assists clients around the world in cutting-edge gas projects, including LNG, ethane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) transportation and the expanding use of LNG and other low flash point fuels.

About ABS

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.