Ethane Carriers & Multigas Vessels

Ethane is one of the components of natural gas. It has a wide range of applications, notably in the petrochemical industry, where it is used to produce ethylene, which is widely used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber and other essential products.

Multi-gas vessels, equipped with membrane containment technologies developed by GTT, are designed to transport ethane in a liquid state at around -92°C.

They are also compatible with other gases, such as propane, butane, propylene and ethylene.

At a time when the ethane market is booming, GTT and the classification society ABS have introduced the “LNG Cargo ready” rating. This certifies that an ethane carrier can be retrofitted to carry liquefied natural gas without having to convert the vessel’s tanks. This is the first rating available for ethane tankers that helps to assess the levels of preparation required for LNG storage or transport.

The “LNG Cargo ready” rating supports the development of very large ethane/ natural gas carriers (VLECs) and ultra large ethane/ natural gas carriers (ULECs).

This flexibility provides a high value-added option and gives ship-owners and charterers the possibility of making the most of the freight market as it evolves, as well as facilitating its financing and increasing the vessel’s residual value.