Norwegian-based ro-ro operator Sea-Cargo has ordered two LNG-powered cargo ro-ros, the second pair in a batch of four similar ships to be built in India. It is believed these will be the world's first LNG-powered commercial vessels.
Sea-Cargo has ordered four ro-ros to be built in India for delivery in 2009 and 2010, with options for four more. The new vessels will 132.8 metres long, with about 1,150 lane metres. They will be fitted with a 50 tonne container crane.
The company says: “With focus on reducing exhaust emissions from short sea and coastal vessels, Sea-Cargo identified liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the future fuel of choice. The company turned to Rolls-Royce for assistance in designing the vessels and for the propulsion and equipment solution. The outcome of these discussions were that newbuildings no. 3 and 4 (hulls 357 and 358) will be built with a full LNG propulsion package – believed to be the first ever designs of its type.”
The vessels will operate on a weekly service between the west coast of Norway, UK and the Continent. The company currently operates a fleet of multi-purpose ro-ro vessels, primarily on North Sea routes linking the west coast of Norway, mainland Europe and the UK.
The company was formed in 2001 by merging Seatrans and Nor Lines, which own 60% and 40% of Sea-Cargo respectively. The company says: “Capacity on the various routes has been increased yearly since the start, and will be further increased to cope with cargo traffic on routes vacated by a passenger/cargo operator.”
Sea-Cargo has ordered four ro-ros to be built in India for delivery in 2009 and 2010, with options for four more. The new vessels will 132.8 metres long, with about 1,150 lane metres. They will be fitted with a 50 tonne container crane.
The company says: “With focus on reducing exhaust emissions from short sea and coastal vessels, Sea-Cargo identified liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the future fuel of choice. The company turned to Rolls-Royce for assistance in designing the vessels and for the propulsion and equipment solution. The outcome of these discussions were that newbuildings no. 3 and 4 (hulls 357 and 358) will be built with a full LNG propulsion package – believed to be the first ever designs of its type.”
The vessels will operate on a weekly service between the west coast of Norway, UK and the Continent. The company currently operates a fleet of multi-purpose ro-ro vessels, primarily on North Sea routes linking the west coast of Norway, mainland Europe and the UK.
The company was formed in 2001 by merging Seatrans and Nor Lines, which own 60% and 40% of Sea-Cargo respectively. The company says: “Capacity on the various routes has been increased yearly since the start, and will be further increased to cope with cargo traffic on routes vacated by a passenger/cargo operator.”