Bureau Veritas and Wärtsilä Launch Joint Development Project to Optimize LNG Carrier Efficiency through Hybrid-Electric Innovation

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) and Wärtsilä announced at LNG2026 a collaboration to advance a joint development project leveraging the industry-leading ship energy modeling tool, BV's ship energy efficiency calculation analysis tool "SEECAT". The initiative will evaluate conventional LNG carrier architecture against the new and flexible hybrid-electric concepts developed by Wärtsilä and its partners.

The hybrid-electric LNG carrier design offers advantages in vessel propulsion optimization. It allows the potential for increased cargo capacity while maintaining vessel size and tonnage comparable to traditional LNG carriers, all while reducing total installed power.

For owners, shipyards and operators, this concept supports easier future modular scaling and integration with emerging energy-saving devices and technologies. The design also facilitates battery integration and peak-shaving solutions across operational profiles, presenting a strong pathway toward vessels that are better aligned with evolving regulatory requirements and the global decarbonization agenda. Besides, BV’s SEECAT offers benefits for owners as the HYEL LNGC concept can be compared against other LNGC architectures.


Representatives of Bureau Veritas and Wärtsilä at LNG2026

Read more: https://www.wartsila.com/marine/products/ship-electrification-solutions/hybrid-electric-lng-carrier