The 162,400 cbm BW GDF SUEZ Brussels and BW GDF SUEZ Paris were constructed by DSME for GDF SUEZ’s LNG projects. They were the yard’s first vessels to be powered by a Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric (TFDE) propulsion system with twin screws and skegs, making them more fuel efficient than steam vessels.

BW’s other LNG carriers, all built at DSME, have steam propulsion, a well proven and reliable technology requiring moderate maintenance and overhaul. The diesel electric system will definitely require more attention, and there will be extra challenges with the maintenance and overhaul of the 36 cylinders and pistons.

Both vessels are intended for trading between Yemen and USA, but BW GDF Suez Brussels will be used for floating storage and offloading into a gas grid in Mejillones in Chile for the first three years.

Photos of the vessels can be found here.