Demand Rising for Cyrogenic Valves in Marine Sector
UK-based manufacturer of cryogenic valves Bestobell Marine said it has seen a major increase in demand for its cryogenic valves from the marine sector in the U.S.
This is largely due to the new Emissions Control Areas (ECA) which is increasing the number of dual-fuel vessels being commissioned which require cryogenic valves.
One of the first major contracts that Bestobell secured in the marine sector in the U.S. was for the Harvey Gulf International Marine ‘Going Green’ project. Five vessels were designed and built which were the first U.S. flagged vessels capable of operating exclusively on natural gas. The first of these, Harvey Energy, has recently been launched.
Bestobell Marine supplied globe and check valves for the ship’s LNGPac fuel system for the five Harvey Gulf vessels.
In addition, Bestobell Marine has won the contract to supply valves to two Orca Class vessels, operated by Totem Ocean Trailer Express (Totem Ocean) in Alaska, which are undergoing conversion, as they do not currently run on LNG. When they are relaunched they will be some of the most environmentally advanced ships in the U.S. TOTE Inc. which is one of the U.S.’ leading marine transportation companies, is in the process of converting its existing fleet to run on natural gas as part of its commitment to the environment.
Bestobell’s cryogenic valves are specifically designed for marine applications, which includes the very important requirement for the valves to have firesafe properties, whereby all components must be able to withstand a minimum temperature of 925oC (as per the interim IGF code).
The company designs and produces valves to meet specific requirements in the marine sector and has supplied cryogenic valves to a majority of the major shipyards building LNG Carriers.