LNG fuelled product tanker now in service
After the conversion the 25,000 dwt product tanker successfully completed sea trials. Owned by Sweden's Tarbit Shipping, "Bit Viking" now qualifies for lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission taxes under the Norwegian government's NOx fund scheme, due to substantial reductions in her carbon emissions.
Delivered in 2007 by China's Shanghai Edwards shipyard, the "Bit Viking" is built with double engine rooms, propellers, steering gears, rudders and control systems. Having previously been powered by two 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 46 engines running on heavy fuel oil, the conversion has changed these to 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines operating on LNG, supplied by two 500 cubic meter LNG storage tanks on the fore deck.
During the conversion the vessel was fitted out with the new equipment necessary for the LNG operation. GL experts played a critical role by safeguarding the components manufactured and installed in the system - the piping, valves, safety equipment, and the tanks themselves - ensuring that they were all safely constructed, using the right type of materials and right type of welding.
The "Bit Viking" recommenced commercial trading on 25 October 2011. According to GL, the vessel has been performing as expected and the crew has successfully bunkered her from the shore facility at Risavika, South of Stavanger. The "Bit Viking" is trading along the entire length of the coast of Norway, from Oslo to Kirkenes, on behalf of oil major Statoil.