New gas carrier expands LNG bunker infrastructure
The multigas vessel ‘Norgas Innovation’
Norwegian shipowner I.M. Skaugen Group (IMSK) took delivery of the first ship in its new series of multigas carriers ordered jointly with Shenghui Gas & Chemical Systems of Shanghai, China.
The 10,609 dwt newbuilding is the world’s first LNG/LPG/ethylene tanker built in China and measures 137.10m overall in length, 19.80m in width, with a maximum depth of 11.50m and a cargo capacity of 10,000m3. Named Norgas Innovation, she is dedicated to Nordic LNG, a Skaugen subsidiary, and the mini-LNG business in Scandinavia.
Propulsion is provided by a medium-speed four-stroke 7,000kW main engine connected to a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox. Three auxiliary engines are fitted with a shaft generator which has a PTI mode, and can thus be used as a ‘take-home’ motor powered by the auxiliary gensets.
Classed by GL, the ship’s hull was built by Taizhou Wuzhou Shipbuilding Industry, in Zhejiang Province while its cargo system, built and installed by Shenghui Gas & Chemical Systems, is capable of carrying two grades of completely segregated gases simultaneously, cooled and uncooled, with a liquefaction system for LNG.
The multigas vessel will be used to transport LNG directly to industrial end-users as well as to hub terminals for onward distribution. End user markets include the maritime fuel market, where LNG may replace bunker oils. The flexibility inherent in the cargo-handling system enables the multigas ships to move between the LNG, LPG and petrochemical gas trades as commercial circumstances dictate. However, it is the ability to handle LNG at cryogenic temperatures which makes these ships particularly notable.
The company has, so far, a total of six (4 x 10,000m3 + 2 x 12,000m3) similar ships under construction through Skaugen Marine Construction, the division within I.M. Skaugen that manages its newbuilding activities in China.
When LNG is being carried, an innovative mini LNG plant will be used to reliquefy all natural gas boil-off. The mini LNG plant’s patented and licensed technology was developed by Skaugen in cooperation with Sintef Energy Research in Norway.Images for this article - click to enlarge
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