Dutch shipbuilder Ferus Smit delivers the world's first LNG-powered cement tanker
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In the weeks before Chirstmas 2015, Ferus Smit delivered her Nb. 423, the first LNG powered LNG cement tanker to her owners. The delivery was preceded by an extensive programme of trials and tests in which the proper working and safety of all systems was verified. Finally on Wednesday 23 December MV Greenland left the harbour of Delfzijl on her first commercial voyage to Rostock where she will receive her first cement load, the shipbuilder said in a press release.
M.V. Greenland is a dedicated cement carrier build for the joint venture JT cement, in which Erik Thun AB cooperates with KG Jebsen Cement from Norway. The vessel is the first ever dry cargo vessel with an LNG fuelled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull. The unique design incorporates a pressurised LNG tank positioned in the foreship. While sailing on LNG, the vessel will meet the most stringent emission criteria, as well as new norms that might be in place in futures for environmental sensitive areas.
The cement cargo system consists of a fully automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air. The cement can be loaded and unloaded fully enclosed through pipes, thus dust-free.
Ferus Smit Shipyard is a family-owned company with workforce of 200 people building 6 to 8 vessels anually. The company has two building sites: at Westerbroek, Groningen (also Offices), and Leer, Germany.