HOGLUND WINS FGSS CONTRACT FOR UTKILEN CHEMICAL TANKERS

The project scope encompasses the design, supply and deliver of an LNG fuel gas supply system (FGSS) to four LNG-ready 10,500dwt chemical tankers for Norway-based shipowner Utkilen AS. Høglund has been commissioned to supply and deliver a control system and a monitoring system as part of an overall energy turnkey solution.

Apart from the tank installation, which will be carried out whilst the vessels at a yard, the retrofit itself will, for the main part, be delivered whilst the ships are in service in order to reduce downtime.

This novel approach – installing new gas systems without interrupting operations – offers an innovative way to complete installations. Hoglund claims that this approach will provide significant benefits for the industry. This type of installation makes future-proofing shipping assets compatible with the ongoing activity of the vessels, overcoming potential commercial barriers to retrofits.

Partner company Skarweld AS will contribute to the project by designing and implementing the piping system for the vessels. The four vessels, M/T Mostraum, M/T Vikstraum, M/T Saltstraum and M/T Sydstraum, the most modern within Utkilen’s fleet, will also boast shore power capability as well as shoreside monitoring capacity through Høglund’s systems.

These retrofits complement Utkilen’s sustainability commitment to reduce its impact on the environment and invest in a greener future for its fleet. The new FGSS on board will enhance the four sister vessels’ energy rating and help future-proof them in advance of upcoming regulations on carbon emissions, and to adhere to the ISO 14001 standard.

This project is also an example of how shipowners and operators are increasingly recognising the role of systems integration in improving the environmental performance of individual vessels and wider fleets.

Commenting on the contract, David Gunaseelan, VP Sales & Marketing at Høglund Marine Solutions, said: “This project will be particularly interesting due to the fact that, despite being LNG-ready, the four vessels lack gas energy systems, which is something that we are increasingly noticing in the industry. With this in mind, we are looking forward to using our engineering expertise to change this and make the systems onboard the vessels work to maximise their sustainability credentials.”