On the 22nd of November, Swedish shipping company Sirius Shipping took delivery of the first of two vessels ordered in the Evolution concept from Avic Dingheng in China. The 7999 dwt LNG-ready oil/chemical tanker, rated ICE class 1A, carries the name Saturnus.
The work to develop the Evolution concept started six years ago with the intention to build a vessel where the entire underwater body, hull, rudder and propeller would be designed and chosen to obtain the best possible hydrodynamic ship performance. In combination with a slow speed two stroke diesel engine the Evolution vessels will be considerably more fuel efficient than any other delivered tanker of this size. Jonas Backman, MD Sirius Shipping AB, says that goal has been fulfilled.
Saturnus will enter into a time charter contract for Esso Norway and will be trading along the Norwegian coast.
The Evolution vessels are designed with an engine prepared for LNG operation to meet future environmental demands. Preparations in terms of stability and deck enforcement have also been made for fitting two LNG tanks onboard.
The 119.9 m (LOA) Saturnus will join the rest of the Sirius fleet under Swedish flag and will homeport in Donsö, where the family-owned Sirius Shipping is located.
Related article: Sirius Orders Two LNG-Ready Chemical Tankers
