LNG bulker trials validate seawater lubrication

The 5,800dwt self-loading/unloading cement carrier, built under the European Union’s TEN-T funded Pilot LNG project for the JT Cement joint venture, is the first ever LNG-fuelled dry cargo vessel in which a pressurised liquid natural gas tank is incorporated into the vessel’s hull. It is also the first LNG-fuelled vessel to feature a seawater-lubricated propeller shaft bearing system.

Built by Ferus Smit’s Westerbroek shipyard to Lloyd’s Register Ice-class 1A and suitable for year-round service in the Baltic Sea, Greenland completed sea trials in December, prior to taking her first operational load in Rostock. Second of class Ireland is due for delivery within the next three months, and options for two more vessels are under consideration.

The solution, along with Thordon Bearings’ grease-free ThorPlas-Blue range of polymer bearings for the vessel’s deck winches and self-unloading equipment, was supplied by Swedish distributor Duwel Group.

Ola Persson, technical manager, Erik Thun Group, said: “With environmental sustainability being the main consideration in the operation of all our vessels, equipment performance and reliability is imperative.”

Thordon Bearings head of marketing and customer service, Craig Carter, added: “Erik Thun and its joint venture partners have created what is probably Europe’s most environmentally-friendly ship. LNG as a ship’s fuel is by far the most environmental-friendly fuelling solution available today which, like the use of a seawater lubricated shaft bearings, exceeds current environmental criteria.”