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

Babcock LGE’s patent-pending ecoAPEX™ cargo handling technology has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its proposed use in improving reliquefaction efficiency and fuel gas management on liquefied gas carriers.

The approval was presented at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok. The ecoAPEX™ (Advanced Performance Extraction) concept combines two onboard processes that typically operate separately: cooling boil-off gas through reliquefaction and heating fuel gas before it is supplied to the engines.

How does Babcock LGE’s ecoAPEX technology work?

The system is designed to integrate the two processes to make use of energy already available onboard. According to Babcock LGE, the approach is intended to improve cargo-handling efficiency without requiring additional rotating machinery.

Babcock LGE estimates that ecoAPEX™ could increase reliquefaction efficiency by up to 33% and cut the energy consumed by the reliquefaction process by approximately 25%. The company also projects a 14% reduction in loading and cooldown times.

The technology is being considered for application on LPG, ammonia and ethane carriers as shipowners and operators evaluate solutions for improving vessel efficiency and managing changing cargo and fuel requirements.

Lloyd’s Register assesses integrated cargo-handling technology

As part of the Approval in Principle process, LR assessed the ecoAPEX™ concept before the approval was presented at Gastech 2026.

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.”

The AiP provides a technical assessment of the technology concept as Babcock LGE considers its potential commercial application on gas carriers.

Babcock LGE targets commercial application

Babcock LGE said ecoAPEX™ is intended to improve the interaction between different onboard systems by recovering energy that is already available during vessel operations.

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.”

The technology’s potential application across LPG, ammonia and ethane carriers will depend on further development and evaluation for specific vessel designs and operational requirements.