The Potential Conversion of the U.S. Great Lakes Steam Bulk Carriers to Liquefied Natural Gas Propulsion – Initial Report

The feasibility and potential benefits of converting 10 remaining U.S. flag Great Lakes steamship bulk carriers to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion using gas engines is investigated. This is the initial report of a study that began in November 2011. The evolving marine air emissions standards and the movement to LNG fuel in international nonLNG carriers are briefly reviewed. The case for the possible conversion of the remaining U.S. flag Great Lakes steamship bulk carriers to LNG fuel is outlined. Initial results of a conceptual design study on the conversion of the three AAA class vessels (SS Arthur M. Anderson, SS Cason J. Callaway, SS Philip R. Clarke), focusing primarily on operational and arrangement feasibility, is then presented.