Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City to build world’s first LNG-powered harbor tug “Elemarateyah”
Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City (DMC), the leading provider of services to the shipping, maritime, oil, gas & energy sector is supporting the "Green Economy for Sustainable Development" initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. As part of this initiative, the company has entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Wartsila and Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence for building the world’s first LNG powered harbor tug. This project launched under the trade mark “Elemarateyah” is part of the Dubai Maritime Green Initiative, a strategic movement to encourage all-round environmental excellence in maritime and allied sectors including oil, gas and energy. This landmark undertaking in which the tug will have a dual engine capable of operating with both traditional MDO & LNG, will represent a major breakthrough that would decide the future of green technology. Emirates Classification (TASNEEF) had earlier signed a landmark partnership agreement with Drydocks World as part of the Initiative.
The shipping & maritime industry is moving towards an increased use of LNG driven primarily by new emissions standards that will come into place in 2015. The emission requirement globally is driving the industry towards the use of cleaner fuels. Broadly, the LNG efficiency comparison is clearly better than MDO fuel as energy content of LNG is almost double than that of MDO, Further the cost of fuel is also a driving factor as currently, the average price of LNG is nearly half of MDO fuel. The global reserves of gas are much larger than those of oil & looking at the macro picture the costs of LNG fuel will be further reduced in comparison to MDO in the near future. The global fleet of LNG-powered vessels is likely to increase to 1,800 vessels by 2020 as this alternate energy source is gaining more acceptance as the ‘fuel of the future’ among the global maritime community.
According to Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, “Dubai is the gateway to green maritime products and services primarily due to its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, modern port facilities and shipyard services. Drydocks World and DMC have been pioneers in implementing green technologies at their facilities. We are considered leaders in environmental excellence in the maritime and oil & gas sectors by disseminating environment friendly technology and knowledge, promoting green values for sustainable maritime development and encouraging Research & Development. We are building the world’s first LNG-fuelled harbor tug and are wholeheartedly supporting the Government of Dubai’s initiatives. The environmental and economic advantages of using LNG as a marine propulsion fuel are immeasurable. Use of LNG will reduce emissions of NOx and CO2 by approximately 85% and 25% respectively. Our combined initiative with leaders in their respective fields aims to implement LNG technology at our yard and develop appropriate facilities thereby encouraging the commercial use of the technology.”
“Wärtsilä and Drydocks World share the same mission of providing environmental friendly solutions to the marine industry. Our years of experience and technology leadership provide a strong basis of support to Drydocks World as they strive to maintain a safe and clean operating environment. At Wärtsilä we optimize a vessel’s efficiency starting from initial design, power and propulsion systems and the integrated automation system. By signing the MoU, Wärtsilä will be able to enhance further its cooperation with Drydocks World ensuring delivery of modern and efficient ships complying with the present legislations and the ones to come. In this case DDW is the first in Middle East to lead the Green and Eco ships. This will set an example for many owners/operators in the area to follow,” says Lars Anderson, Vice President, 4 –stroke Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power.
Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City will collaborate with Wärtsilä for design, equipment and related support services for the construction of the tug.