Babcock LGE has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its innovative ecoAPEX™ cargo handling technology, marking a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and sustainability of liquefied gas carriers.
Presented during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the LR-approved concept is designed to optimise the performance of onboard reliquefaction and gas fuel systems, delivering meaningful reductions in energy consumption, operating costs and emissions for vessel operators.
ecoAPEX™ has the potential to improve reliquefaction efficiency by up to 33%, reduce reliquefaction energy consumption by around 25%, and cut loading and cooldown times by 14%. These gains can support improved vessel performance, while helping owners and operators advance their decarbonisation objectives.
Unlike conventional approaches that rely on additional rotating machinery, ecoAPEX™ takes a more integrated approach by connecting two onboard processes that have traditionally operated independently: Cooling boil-off gas through reliquefaction and heating fuel gas for engine consumption. By recovering and utilising energy already available within the vessel’s systems, the technology unlocks efficiencies without increasing equipment count, system complexity or operational burden.
The patent-pending technology has potential applications across a broad range of liquefied gas carriers, including LPG, ammonia and ethane vessels, supporting the industry’s drive towards greater operational efficiency and future-ready cargo handling solutions.
Neale Campbell, Managing Director of Babcock LGE, said: “ecoAPEX™ demonstrates how Babcock LGE turns systems thinking into practical innovation. By viewing the vessel as a connected whole, we unlock efficiencies from energy already available onboard.
“On dual-fuel gas carriers, ecoAPEX™ enables two processes that traditionally operate separately to integrate effectively, reducing cargo handling energy demand without adding equipment, complexity, or operational burden.
“Successful innovation relies on both collaboration and scrutiny. Lloyd’s Register has been a valued partner throughout the Approval in Principle process, providing technical expertise and independent challenge. Achieving AiP validates the Babcock LGE ecoAPEX™ technology concept and provides assurance to shipowners for commercial adoption.”
Andy McKeran, Chief Growth Officer at Lloyd’s Register, added: “As the industry continues to focus on efficiency, there is growing recognition that significant gains can be achieved by improving the performance of onboard systems as well as through fuel and propulsion developments.
“Our Approval in Principle confirms that the concept has been assessed against LR’s design and safety requirements. We are pleased to support the development of technologies that have the potential to improve operational performance, reduce costs and contribute to lower emissions across the gas carrier sector.”
The AiP provides independent validation that the ecoAPEX™ concept has been assessed against Lloyd’s Register’s design and safety requirements, offering confidence to shipowners considering future adoption of the technology.
As the shipping industry continues to balance operational performance with environmental responsibility, ecoAPEX™ represents a practical innovation that helps shipowners maximise value from existing onboard energy resources. With independent approval now secured, Babcock LGE is well-positioned to support operators seeking more efficient, lower-emission cargo handling solutions across a rapidly evolving gas transportation market.
