Island Crusader has been running on biogas for two months now with a total of 700 running hours on LBG. So far, we experience good reductions in CO2 emissions.

During this period, 128 tonnes of biogas (LBG) have been used, against 124 tonnes of LNG and 24 tonnes of MGO. Replacing LNG with LBG has so far reduced CO2 emissions by 372 tonnes:

“We have reduced the use of LNG - and thus emissions from fossil fuels - by 50 percent. The question is whether we should use biogas on both tanks when we have been testing for a while,” says KHMS manager Mats Stendal Aksnes.

Crusader has two tanks for gas, one now with LNG, the other with LBG. Experience so far shows no technical challenges with the use of biogas, and it will be entirely possible to take the testing one step further to fill biogas also on the remaining LNG tank. Compared with conventional propulsion with MGO, it is possible to save around 6000 tonnes of fossil CO2 per year by using only LBG.

“Our experiences with the use of biogas are entirely positive”, says Mats. “It also seems that Lundin is positive about continuing with the use of biogas.”

It was technical manager Trond Hauge who caught interest in the possibility of using biogas via discussions with the engine supplier Bergen Engines, and Lundin immediately saw the potential for environmental savings when they were presented with the project.

“There is no economy in this; it is a pure environmental benefit. Biogas is much more expensive than diesel, and more expensive than LNG. Lundin has invested a lot to ensure the least possible emissions. This is initially a pilot project, however so far, it looks promising,” Mats concludes.

Running on biofuel for two months

Island Crusader has been running on biogas for two months now with a total of 700 running hours on LBG. So far, we experience good reductions in CO2 emissions.