Drydocks World to undertake LNG carrier conversions
Drydocks World has been awarded a contract by Amigo LNG, a joint venture between Texas-based Epcilon LNG and Singapore-based LNG Alliance, to convert two LNG carriers into floating storage units (FSUs). Additionally, the company will build two new floating LNG barges at its Dubai shipyard.
Once operational in the second half of 2028, the four-vessel facility will provide more than 4.2 million tonnes of liquefaction capacity annually for a project off the coast of Mexico. Drydocks World has completed more than 10 large-scale LNG and FSRU conversion projects to date.
Boiler retrofits lined up for Elcome
Dubai-headquartered Elcome International has signed an agreement with an as yet unnamed Middle East-based shipowner to retrofit boiler control systems to 10 crude oil tankers and product carriers. Each installation includes secure remote connectivity, enabling Elcome’s service team to provide real-time support, software updates and diagnostics during voyages.
Two vessels have already been retrofitted; one in Jebel Ali and one while the vessel was at sea. Each installation will take between five and seven days to complete, Elcome states.
Seatrium secures FLNG upgrade work
Singapore’s Seatrium shipyard has secured a contract from Golar Hilli Corporation to upgrade the FLNG Hilli Episeyo. Scheduled to enter the yard in Q3 2026, the project involves repair and life extension-related items, winterisation of the vessel and the installation of a new soft-yoke mooring system.
When completed, Hilli Episeyo will be redeployed in the Gulf of San Matias in the Rio Negro province offshore Argentina, liquifying gas from the Vaca Muerta Shale formation onshore in Neuquen province for 20 years. Hilli Episeyo, with a capacity capacity of 2.45 million tonnes a year, is set to recommence operations in 2027.
Tallin yard to undertake ferry retrofit
BLRT Repair Yards Tallinn has been selected to carry out a major retrofit onboard Aurora Botnia, Wasaline’s hybrid ferry, with work set to begin in autumn 2025. The project involves the installation of a 10.4 MWh lithium iron phosphate battery system, supplied by AYK Energy, an upgrade expected to reduce the vessel’s annual fossil energy use by approximately 10,000MWh and cut emissions by 23%.
Also heavily involved in the project is Wärtsilä, which will deliver the energy management system and upgrade the power drives and control systems.
