Navigator Gas is moving ahead with two additional vessel engine conversions to enable ethane operation, building on the experience gained from an identical retrofit completed eight years ago.
The liquefied-gas carrier owner has selected Navigator Nova and Navigator Prominence for the latest upgrades. Both vessels currently operate with Everllence B&W 6S50ME-GI Mk8.2 engines, which will be converted to ME-GIE (Gas Injection Ethane) units.
The work will be carried out by Cosco Shipping Heavy Industries at its Nantong shipyard in China. The first conversion is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
The decision follows the operating experience of Navigator Aurora, which has been running with the same engine configuration since its conversion in 2018.
For Navigator Gas, the eight-year track record provided a clear reference point for expanding the programme.
Kaj Pilemand, Navigator Gas’s director of vessel operations, said the experience with Aurora made the decision to proceed with the two additional conversions straightforward.
The company is pursuing two objectives at the same time: reducing emissions from vessels already in its fleet while improving their ability to operate with fuels that support the industry’s longer-term transition toward lower- and zero-carbon alternatives.
“Retrofitting existing vessels with more efficient and fuel-flexible technology enables us to reduce CO₂ emissions now, extend the relevance of our existing fleet and make meaningful progress towards our decarbonisation goals,” Pilemand said.
Building on an established retrofit platform
Everllence also sees Navigator Gas’s return for two further conversions as evidence of the retrofit solution’s operational value.
Michael Petersen of Everllence PrimeServ Denmark said the repeat order demonstrates that the platform has proven its capabilities. The ME-GI engine, he added, provides shipowners with greater fuel flexibility as market conditions and fuel options continue to evolve.
The latest conversions will also be carried out in accordance with IMO Tier II compliance requirements, ensuring the upgraded vessels meet the applicable emissions standards.
Navigator Gas’s decision illustrates how existing gas-carrier fleets can be adapted through engine technology rather than relying exclusively on newbuild tonnage, while maintaining greater flexibility as fuel markets continue to change.
