Sanmar Building LNG Powered Tugs, Turkey

April 3, 2013

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:

92% reduced NOx emission
17% reduced GHG emission
98-100% reduced SOx emission
98% reduced particulates
Compliant with Tier III regulations

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