From Very Large to Ultra Large:

Svanehøj deepwell pumps are the preferred choice for ethane carriers

Since 2019, Svanehøj has supplied deepwell fuel and cargo pump solutions for numerous Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs). Now, the pumps are about to get even bigger, as Svanehøj has secured its first pump order for Ultra Large Ethane Carriers (ULECs).

Based on its widely adopted cargo pump solutions for conventional gas carriers, Svanehøj has in recent years successfully expanded into the ethane carrier segment. Notably, all second-generation VLECs (up to 100,000 m³) currently in operation are equipped with Svanehøj DW pumps, and the vast majority of VLECs on order have also opted for a Svanehøj solution.

The recent order to equip two 150,000 m³ ULECs with fuel-, cargo-, and stripping pumps highlights the market’s continued confidence in Svanehøj’s patented DW pump technology as the preferred solution for large membrane-type containment systems.

Over the years, Svanehøj has taken major technological steps in developing deepwell pump systems for the ocean-going VLECs and LNG carriers. Long-shafted pumps with large capacities that work efficiently at extremely low temperatures. Now, as the market moves towards the even larger ULECs, Svanehøj continues to refine and scale its technology to meet evolving customer needs.

”In this project, we’re scaling up our proven deepwell technology for cargo offloading to an even larger pump size. Ten years ago, when we developed a solution specifically for the second generation of VLECs, we anticipated that a need for greater capacity would eventually emerge. So, we’ve been ready to meet this demand for quite some time”, says Johnny Houmann, Chief Sales Officer at Svanehøj.

A proven technology with significant advantages

ULECs represent the third generation of large-scale ethane carriers and mark a significant leap forward in the economics of bulk liquid ethane transport. With increased cargo capacity, improved energy efficiency, and advanced technology, ULECs outperform earlier generations.

Like most of their predecessors, the new ULECs are built with membrane-type cargo containment systems. Here, Svanehøj’s multigas deepwell pump design has already demonstrated its value across numerous second-generation carriers, offering a range of significant advantages. The unique deepwell design upholds a stable and responsive gas supply that adapts quickly to engine load variations, ensuring optimizedperformance and efficiency.

As deepwell pumps are long-shafted, all electrical components are placed outside the tank. This not only simplifies access for maintenance and repair but also prevents motor heat from increasing boil-off gas and pressure inside the tank. 

Operational data gathered over decades under demanding conditions show significant lower OpEx with a deepwell pump. For cargo pumps, regular service of above-deck components is recommended only at five-year intervals, with extended service advised every ten years following a condition assessment.

The fuel pumps for the ULEC project are equipped with Svanehøj’s patented foot valve system, allowing complete pump extraction and servicing, regardless of tank content or liquid level.

🔗Click to read more about our Deepwell Cargo Pumps for gas applications: https://www.svanehoj.com/solutions/deepwell-cargo-solutions/gas-carriers/