Estonian energy company Elenger has added ship-to-ship bunkering to its services, after taking delivery of its first bunker vessel in the port of Rotterdam. The 6,000m3 Optimus will be the first LNG bunkering vessel to operate in the Gulf of Finland, where it will meet increasing demand from LNG-fuelled vessels, as well as land-based customers.
The vessel also represents the first reference for Damen’s new class of Liquified Gas Carrier (LGC) 6000 LNG bunkering vessels.
The vessel, which was built at Damen Shipyards Yichang, recently completed its gas trials in Damen Verolme Rotterdam shipyard before being delivered to its owner, Estonia-based investment company Infortar. The vessel has been chartered by Estonian gas supplier, Elenger.
Elenger been supplying Tallink Group’s LNG-fuelled RoPax ferry Megastar using multiple specialist trucks. Tallink Group will add a second LNG-fuelled RoPax ferry, MyStar, to its fleet in spring 2022. Elenger also has pre-agreements in place with other reputable clients operating cargo and container vessels, tankers and cruise ships, among others.
Optimus is designed to meet the operational requirements for year-round operation in the Gulf of Finland. The vessel has been awarded Ice Class 1A certification. The vessel features a dual-fuel propulsion system. The LGC range is also designed for fast and safe bunkering operations both in ports and offshore, and in all weather conditions. Thanks to dual propeller lines and a very efficient hull design they are highly manoeuvrable for in-harbour operations. A modern cargo handling system and redundant manifold arrangements allow them to perform reliable and flexible fuel transfers in accordance with the highest industry requirements. The LNG transfer rate can reach up to 1,000 m3/hour.
