Babcock’s LGE wins first contract for ecoFGSS-FLEX® ammonia fuel system, advancing sustainable marine propulsion and reducing shipping emissions.
Babcock’s LGE business has secured its first contract for the delivery of its cutting-edge ecoFGSS-FLEX®, a next-generation Ammonia Fuel Supply System designed for marine applications. This innovative system facilitates the safe, efficient, and sustainable use of ammonia as a marine propulsion fuel, representing a crucial milestone in the global push to decarbonise the maritime sector. The adoption of ammonia, a zero-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels, is seen as a transformative development in the shipping industry’s journey toward sustainability.
Developed internally by Babcock’s skilled engineering team, the ecoFGSS-FLEX® system will be installed on four Medium Gas Carriers currently under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for global commodity trading company Trafigura. The technology integrates seamlessly with existing ship infrastructure and adheres to the highest safety and environmental standards, supporting both current and future regulatory compliance. This project marks a collaborative effort between leading maritime stakeholders to bring ammonia propulsion closer to mainstream adoption.
Neale Campbell, Managing Director of Babcock’s LGE business, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, stating, “Our priority is to deliver future-ready solutions that empower our clients to transition to cleaner energy sources. Ammonia has the potential to revolutionise marine propulsion, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. This contract is a strong endorsement of our capabilities and the trust in our technology.”
Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura, also highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “We are pleased to partner with Babcock’s LGE team to make ammonia a viable, safer, and more environmentally friendly marine fuel. As one of the world’s leading vessel charterers, reducing emissions remains a top priority. Investing in dual-fuel ships offers the flexibility to adopt greener fuels like ammonia as they become commercially feasible.”
Currently, international shipping accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the industry a significant target for emissions reduction. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has laid out ambitious goals to reduce these emissions, and Babcock’s ecoFGSS-FLEX® system provides a powerful tool for shipowners to align with these targets. The system supports both newbuild installations and retrofit applications, and Babcock is actively collaborating with other major shipowners on future deployments.
The installation of ecoFGSS-FLEX® is scheduled to begin in 2027, with full operational readiness expected by year-end. This contract not only underscores LGE’s leadership in sustainable marine technology but also reinforces its pivotal role in reshaping the future of global shipping.
