The Island Contender will commence pure LNG operations shortly.
Norwegian company Island Offshore Management AS, based in Ulsteinvik and operator of one of the largest North Sea fleets of advanced Platform Supply Vessels, has taken delivery of the 21st vessel in the fleet. Built by STX in Brevik, Island Contender is of Rolls-Royce UT 776 CDG design and is equipped for operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) alone. Island Contender is the sistership to Island Crusader, also LNG-powered, delivered in May.
Island Offshore says the two LNG PSVs are the first offshore supply vessels in the world to operate under DP II (dynamic positioning classification) without using diesel. The vessels illustrate the company’s long term strategy to provide environmentally friendly and clean vessels for operators.
Fuel consumption measurements shows that it was correct to go for this configuration: 2 larger natural gas engines which can be used alone or together in all operational situations, and 2 diesel engines if more power is required. There are “considerable savings” to be had from LNG operations when comparing the actual prices of gas and gasoil, and from the environmental point of view it is much better.
(This article primarily compiled using information from an Island Offshore Management AS press release)
