Navigator Gas will convert two liquefied-gas carriers to run on ethane, building on eight years of experience with the same technology aboard another vessel in its fleet.
The Navigator Nova and Navigator Prominence will undergo the conversions at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries’ Nantong yard in China. The first conversion is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Two gas carriers to switch to ethane
Both vessels are currently equipped with Everllence B&W 6S50ME-GI Mk8.2 engines. Everllence PrimeServ will convert these engines to ME-GIE units, allowing the ships to use ethane as fuel.
The converted engines will comply with IMO Tier II requirements. COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries will carry out the shipyard work, while Everllence PrimeServ will handle the engine retrofits.
Navigator builds on earlier conversion
The new project follows the conversion of Navigator Aurora in 2018. The vessel has since operated for eight years with the same Everllence ethane-fuel technology.
Navigator Gas said this experience played an important role in its decision to convert two more vessels.
“Converting Navigator Nova and Navigator Prominence is a natural next-step, allowing us to build on proven technology and real operational experience,” said Kaj Pilemand, Director of Vessel Operations at Navigator Gas.
According to the company, upgrading existing vessels can reduce CO₂ emissions while providing greater fuel flexibility. It can also extend the operational life of ships as the industry moves towards lower-carbon fuels.
Everllence expands alternative-fuel retrofits
Everllence said the project shows how existing engines can be adapted for alternative fuels without replacing the entire propulsion system.
The company sees the two conversions as another step towards wider use of alternative fuels in the ethane-carrier segment. Its retrofit platform is designed to give shipowners greater flexibility as fuel availability and regulatory requirements change.
The first conversion is expected to start at the Nantong yard in March 2027.
