Shanghai, China – SMDERI-QET (Shanghai Qiyao Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.) has announced a significant breakthrough in marine clean energy technology, successfully completing the skid integration of its cutting-edge LNG Subcooling System (LSC) for a 175,000 cubic meter (175K) LNG carrier. This achievement, completed on July 14th, marks a pivotal step forward in enhancing the efficiency and environmental footprint of the global LNG shipping fleet.
The integrated LSC skid is now undergoing rigorous land-based performance testing, a critical phase to validate its operational capabilities before its scheduled delivery to the renowned Jiangnan Shipyard in late August. This collaboration with Jiangnan Shipyard, a leading builder of advanced gas carriers in China, underscores the importance and scale of the project.
The Crucial Role of LNG Subcooling Systems
As the global maritime industry increasingly adopts Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner-burning marine fuel, managing “boil-off gas” (BOG) remains a key challenge for LNG carriers. BOG is the natural evaporation of LNG within cargo tanks due to heat ingress, even in highly insulated tanks. If not properly managed, this gas can lead to cargo loss, increased emissions, and operational inefficiencies.
An LNG Subcooling System (LSC) is a sophisticated onboard refrigeration unit designed to address this challenge. It deep-cools the LNG cargo, typically below its saturation temperature, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating the generation of BOG. By re-liquefying the boil-off gas, LSC technology ensures that valuable cargo is preserved and can be re-introduced into the tanks, optimizing cargo delivery and reducing methane emissions that contribute to global warming. This not only enhances the economic viability of LNG transport but also aligns perfectly with the industry’s drive towards greater environmental sustainability.
SMDERI-QET’s Innovations Driving Efficiency
SMDERI-QET’s LSC system incorporates several optimized innovations that set it apart:
- Dynamic Cryogenic Process Simulation: This advanced simulation capability ensures the system can adapt and perform optimally across a wide range of operational conditions, crucial for the varying demands of global LNG trade.
- High-Power High-Speed Permanent Magnet (PM) Motors: The use of PM motors translates to higher energy efficiency, reduced maintenance, and a more compact footprint for the cryogenic compressors at the heart of the LSC.
- 5-DOF Active Maglev Bearing Systems: This cutting-edge technology allows the rotating components (like impellers within turbomachinery) to levitate without mechanical contact. This eliminates friction, wear, and the need for lubricating oil, leading to superior efficiency, enhanced reliability, and significantly lower maintenance requirements, particularly vital in cryogenic environments.
- Wide-Range Efficient Turbomachinery: The design of highly efficient turbomachinery ensures optimal performance across various flow rates and pressures, maximizing BOG re-liquefaction capabilities.
- Ultra-Compact, Low Leakage Skid Integration: The integrated skid design means the system is delivered as a pre-assembled, modular unit. This reduces installation time and complexity at the shipyard, minimizes the potential for leaks (critical for cryogenic systems), and optimizes space onboard.
Implications for Cleaner Global Energy Logistics
The successful completion and upcoming delivery of this LSC skid for a 175K LNG carrier holds significant implications for the clean energy shipping sector:
- Enhanced LNG Carrier Performance: By effectively managing BOG, these systems enable LNG carriers to transport more usable cargo and operate with greater energy efficiency, directly contributing to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
- Contribution to Decarbonization: Minimizing methane emissions from boil-off gas is a crucial step in improving the overall greenhouse gas profile of LNG as a marine fuel.
- Validation for Series Production: SMDERI-QET’s announcement highlights that this project establishes their capabilities for “series production” of LSC units. This signals a readiness to meet growing demand for such advanced systems, supporting the expanding global LNG fleet and the continuous push for cleaner maritime operations.
This milestone reinforces SMDERI-QET’s commitment to advancing maritime technology and underscores China’s increasing role in developing critical solutions for a more sustainable future in global energy logistics.
About SMDERI-QET
Shanghai Qiyao Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (SMDERI-QET) is a key technology platform under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), specialising in the development of marine environmental protection equipment. Its two core business lines—emission control and energy upgrading—underscore its commitment to helping the shipping industry reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions.
SMDERI-QET is recognised globally for its advanced solutions such as the Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) and Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR). As the industry moves towards a greener future, the company continues to innovate in areas like Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS), Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage Systems (OCCS), LNG Sub-cooling Systems (LSC), and Methane Oxidation Catalysts (MOC).
Its vision is clear: lead through innovation, serve with excellence, and shape a sustainable maritime industry.
Source SMDERI-QET