(Image: Drydocks World)
Rolls-Royce plc has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Drydocks World Dubai to provide systems for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered tugs for the Middle East market. The tugs, to be designed by the Drydocks World in-house design team, will incorporate a range of power and propulsion equipment from Rolls-Royce, including Bergen medium speed gas engines.
On March 27, Drydocks World and Maritime World announced the grand launch of Dubai Maritime Green Initiative, a strategic movement to encourage all-round environmental excellence in maritime and allied sectors including oil, gas and energy. The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of key decision-makers from government and industry and was underlined by the MoU for green technology transfer with Rolls-Royce and classification society DNV.
“We are pleased to be working with Drydocks World to integrate highly efficient LNG power and propulsion systems into LNG powered tugs for the Middle East market. This cooperation further demonstrates our commitment to helping customers improve their operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. We look forward to working with Drydocks World and other partners as we develop these opportunities further,” said Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, President – Merchant, in Dubai.
Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World, said: “We are at the threshold of a new era in environment management for maritime sustainable development. Drydocks World seeks to take a leadership role in implementing green technology solutions and is developing a new product, the ‘Green Tug,’ which is an LNG powered tug that will comply with new emission control regulations.
“DNV is looking forward to working together with Dubai Drydocks World as partners in such a meaningful and innovative project in this region,” said Jorgen Traun, DNV Vice President and Regional Manager India & Middle East, adding that DNV now had over a decade of experience in LNG as marine fuel.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year approved for sale in the U.S. market the latest state-of-the art ECA Tier 3 compliant Rolls-Royce [Bergen C26:33] marine gas engines, which the company says are ideal for tug propulsion. They are designed to improve fuel efficiency, dramatically cut harmful methane emissions and meet strict international environmental standards set to take effect in 2016.
In January 2012 Rolls-Royce signed a contract to deliver engines and propulsion systems for LNG powered tugs ordered by Norwegian company Buksér og Berging AS for operations off the Norwegian coast.
(Source: Rolls-Royce Marine and Drydocks World)
