LNG tug goes into operation
It will now go into service at Statoil’s Kårstø gas terminal in Norway.
Pinar Gurun Korkmaz, spokesperson for Sanmar, told The Motorship: “Gas engine technology is not new having been proven in both land-based and large ship installations but the first new 35m LNG fuelled terminal tug is a trailblazer in this sector of the marine market demanding a significant step-forward in technical know-how for more eco-friendly and economic tug operation.”
“Before this vessel, the tug industry was on the firm opinion that gas-powered tugs were not viable due to limited space for the LNG tank, coldbox and piping system. Also the escort requirements were rather complicated to achieve.”
The tugboat virtually eliminates sulphur emissions, brings particulate matter close to zero and reduces the discharge of CO2 and NOx by 26% and 80% respectively.
It’s the first of two tug orders for Norwegian customer Buksér og Berging, each equipped with two Rolls-Royce Bergen C26:33L6PG engines fueled purely by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
They have been designed in-house by Buksér og Berging, with support from Marine Design in Norway.
