Babcock LGE’s ecoAPEX cargo technology receives LR Approval in Principle

Babcock LGE’s ecoAPEX™ cargo handling technology has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR), supporting its proposed application to improve reliquefaction efficiency and fuel gas management on liquefied gas carriers.

The approval was presented at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok and covers the patent-pending ecoAPEX™ (Advanced Performance Extraction) concept, which integrates two onboard processes that traditionally operate independently: the cooling of boil-off gas through reliquefaction and the heating of fuel gas for engine consumption.

Technology targets lower energy consumption

According to Babcock LGE, ecoAPEX™ could increase reliquefaction efficiency by up to 33% while reducing energy consumption associated with reliquefaction by approximately 25%. The technology is also projected to reduce loading and cooldown times by 14%.

The company said the system is designed to recover and use energy already available onboard, rather than adding additional rotating machinery. This approach is intended to improve cargo-handling efficiency while limiting additional system complexity.

The technology could be applied to LPG, ammonia and ethane carriers, according to Babcock LGE, as shipowners and operators assess technologies aimed at improving vessel efficiency and adapting to changing cargo and fuel requirements.

Lloyd’s Register supports integrated approach

Andy McKeran, Chief Growth Officer, Lloyd’s Register, said: “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.

“We are excited and privileged to continue our long-term collaboration with Babcock LGE as they pioneer new approaches to improving gas carrier performance, reducing costs and supporting lower emissions across the sector.”

Babcock LGE outlines commercial adoption potential

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.”