Sanmar is constructing the world’s first Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) powered escort tugs. The vessels have been ordered by Buksér og Berging AS of Norway and will enter service in late 2013.
BB has signed a long term charter with Statoil and Gassco.
The LNG system is designed by AGA Cryo and integrated with the Rolls-Royce propulsion system. This single tank LNG system has got full gas redundancy i.e. no diesel back up is required. The vessels will also be equipped with two Rolls Royce azimuth propellers.
The operational benefits of a gas fuelled propulsion system are a cleaner engine room, less waste oil and no “switch over” problems. Environmental benefits with S.I. gas engines incorporated in the new design is:
Also, the new hull and propulsion system will achieve up to 20% higher thrust efficiency compared to standard designs.
The vessels have the following specifications:
Loa: 38.00m Bm: 14.50m Draft: 7.50m Bollard Pull 65 tonnes Accommodation for 5 persons.
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, April 3, 2013; Image: Samar