Optimal Design of BOG Reliquefaction Systems for LNG Carriers: A Focus on GMS Performance During Loaded Voyages

Abstract This study proposes a strategy for evaluating efficient design of the Gas Management System (GMS) on LNG carriers by decomposing its performance to subsystems: the reliquefaction system (RS) and the fuel gas supply system (FS). With increasingly stringent maritime regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, the need for efficient LNG carrier operations has become critical. A major factor in reducing fuel consumptions and carbon emissions is optimizing the design of the RS, given its significant power demand for processing NBOG. However, effective GMS design must account for variations in RS operation performance, as well as the contributions of the FS in treating NBOG with changes in ship speed. This study compares GSM configurations with reliquefaction systems based on two representative refrigeration cycles: the nitrogen reverse Brayton cycle (NRBC) and the single mixed refrigera…