Babcock’s LGE business has secured a contract to deliver its ammonia fuel supply system for four medium gas carriers ordered by Trafigura. The vessels, which are under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea, will be fitted with Babcock’s ecoFGSS-FLEX system.
According to Babcok, this will facilitate the safe, efficient and environmentally compliant use of ammonia as a marine propulsion fuel. Installation is scheduled to begin in 2027, and full operational capability is expected by the end of that year.
The ecoFGSS-FLEX system has been developed by LGE’s in-house engineering team and is designed to integrate with existing onboard systems while complying with established safety and environmental regulations. While Trafigura’s order is the system’s first confirmed commercial deployment, Babcock is actively engaged with other shipowners on both newbuild and retrofit applications.
The ammonia dual-fuel system designed for these medium gas carriers has been formally approved by Lloyd’s Register, following a joint development project launched in December 2024. The initiative involves collaboration between Trafigura, LR, HD Hyundai Mipo, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine & Machinery Division, WinGD, Babcock LGE, Alfa Laval and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Trafigura’s newbuilds will be powered by WinGD ammonia dual-fuel engines and incorporate Alfa Laval’s ammonia release mitigation system. The 45,000 cubic metre medium gas carriers are designed to transport both LPG and ammonia and are scheduled for delivery in 2028. According to Trafigura, the vessels will be among the first to use ammonia dual-fuel systems at a commercial scale.
Neale Campbell, Managing Director of Babcock’s LGE business, commented: ‘Ammonia has the potential to be a game-changer in the marine industry’s drive towards decarbonisation and sustainability. Our focus remains on delivering future-ready, sustainable solutions that help our customers navigate the transition to cleaner energy.’
Trafigura, one of the world’s largest charterers, is pursuing alternative fuel options as part of its emissions reduction strategy. The company is a participant in the World Economic Forum’s First Movers Coalition and the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition.
‘We are proud to be working with Babcock’s LGE business to help make ammonia a practical, safe and cleaner fuel for the shipping industry,’ said Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura. ‘Using dual-fuel ships gives us the flexibility to adopt low-emission options like ammonia as they become more widely available.’
