First LNG-fuelled tug named
During the naming ceremony at Sanmar
Additionally, a diesel-powered tug, the Baus, was christened. Owner of all five tugs is the Norwegian operating company Buksér og Berging, who celebrates its 100th anniversary these days.
Designed by their owner in cooperation with Marine Design AS, the 35m-long and 15m-wide Borgøy and Bokn are the first tugs to be solely fuelled by LNG. They have enhanced escort capacity of 100 tonnes steering force at a speed of 10 knots, Sanmar said. Their static bollard pull is approximately 70 tonnes. At a draught of 5.5m, the DNV-classed tugboats reach a speed of 13.5 knots.
Accommodation is provided in two single officer cabins and two berth crew cabins. Sanmar said that special attention has been given to noise reduction throughout the entire accommodation areas.
The first LNG-fuelled tug Borgøy will be completed in the middle of November, while Bokn is scheduled for delivery in February 2014. The two tugs will be employed by Statoil on a long-term charter for serving its Kårstø gas terminal in the North Sea from early 2014.
Propulsion system
Each vessel is equipped with two Rolls-Royce Bergen C26:33L6PG engines fuelled purely by LNG.
The Rolls-Royce propulsion package includes the 80m3 LNG tank and supply system and two of the latest design US35 azimuth thrusters that ensure the tugs have rapid manoeuvring and positioning capabilities, the power systems provider said. Moreover, the vessel automation and control system as well as the gas safety system will be supplied.
The propulsion by LNG only will significantly reduce emissions, making the two new tugboats IMO Tier III-compliant, the project partners noted.
