Gondan delivers first European-built LNG tug

Gondan Shipyard in Figueras, Spain, said the first LNG tug ever built in Europe, was delivered to its owner, the Norwegian company Østensjø Rederi.

The 40.2 meters length and 16 meters beam escort tug, named DUX, the first in a series of three vessels, completed the sea trials earlier this month.

Designed by the Canadian company Robert Allan, the vessel will provide tug services to Norwegian state-owned energy company Statoil, at the Hammerfest LNG terminal located at Melkøya.

“Built to withstand harsh environments, the vessel is shaped specifically to grant full operational availability at temperatures of 20 degrees below zero,” Gondan Shipyard said.

The vessel will use liquefied natural gas as fuel in most of its operations with the ability to use diesel power for additional operational security.

Among its duties, it will conduct approximately 300 LNG ship escorts annually, will assist with berthing operations and will be maintained in readiness for emergency services such as long line towing, fire-fighting, and oil spill response.