A Joint Industry Project (JIP) LNG-CONV will convert the main engine on the existing vessel Fure West to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) operations. The industry project group will closely follow the different stages from technology implementation at the yard via bunkering to the operating start to add to the body of knowledge for this growing sector strategy. Project completion is planned for end 2015.
The all European JIP team includes German engine maker MAK, engine supplier Pon Power in Denmark, Taylor-Wharton which will manufacture the tanks and LNG fuel system in Slovakia and classification society Bureau Veritas. The conversion-to-LNG work on the 144 m (L.O.A.) tanker will be carried out at the Oresund Drydocks in Landskrona, Sweden.
The JIP first met in 2012 to discuss how and when a conversion to LNG would be possible, seeking to address not only the technical but also the theoretical and practical processes. The project decided to use the ZVT method (Zero Vision Tool), a collaboration model with necessary cooperation tools and a reference group, ZVT REF, where Administrations, Agencies and the industry meet to reach common sustainable results for a healthy transport at sea.
LNG CONV is one of six projects that is part of the Pilot LNG, co-financed by the EU, where they together are establishing the LNG infrastructure. This structure includes all components required to ship LNG from the gas supplier to the LNG terminal, from the terminal to the bunker vessel, and from the bunker vessel to the LNG fuelled vessels (more about Pilot LNG).
In regards to the conversion of Fure West, Lars Höglund, CEO at Furetank points out “we have been doing a lot of research for the best solution and we are confident that this is the right way forward for our project. It’s important to us as a company that we continue on the road towards no emissions, since 2011 Fure West has been certified as “Green Vessel” according to the CSI and adding to that we now will reduce CO2, eliminate SOx and PM and minimize NOx when converting to LNG”.
After conversion, the vessel will continue trading in the Northern European ECA, employed by Furetank Chartering (a member of the Gothia Tankers alliance).
(Source: Furetank Rederi AB)
