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Construction of LNG-powered ferries for Rederij Doeksen on schedule

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LNG Industry,


Strategic Marine has announced that the construction of two 70 m LNG-powered aluminium vehicle and passenger catamarans is progressing well at the group’s yard in Vietnam. The vessels are being built for Rederij Doeksen and are on schedule for delivery to the Netherlands in early 2018. Once delivered, they will undergo the final commissioning and sea trials.

The eco-friendly RoPax ferries were designed by BMT Nigel Gee, with concept and interior design by Vripack. They will be able to carry 66 cars and 592 passengers each, and main propulsion will be provided by two single-fuel LNG engines from MTU driving fixed pitch azimuth thrusters from Veth through mechanical gearboxes. The vessels’ power is provided by a hybrid LNG/electric plant, where power is generated by two single-fuel LNG generators and additional electricity is stored in battery banks for use with the electrically-driven bow thrusters, as well providing main grid stabilisation and peak shaving support. The ferries will operate on the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wadden Sea between Harlingen on the Dutch mainland, and the islands of Terschelling and Vlieland.

The CEO of Strategic Marine, Mark Schiller, said: “This is a milestone project for Strategic Marine and we are delighted that Rederij Doeksen decided to contract these vessels with us following a stringent international tender evaluation process.

“It is testament to the world leading shipbuilding skills we offer our customers after operating more than 10 years in Vietnam, 15 years in Singapore and 30 years in Australia. We see an ever increasing focus on the environmental aspects of marine transportation, with LNG emerging as the fuel of choice for many operators and we are committed to being at the forefront of developing LNG and other emission reducing technologies further to the benefit of our customers and the environment”

Rederij Doeksen’s Director, Paul Melles, said: “The acquisition of these vessels signifies the largest single investment Rederij Doeksen has ever made and thus we carefully evaluated the proposals received from the world’s leading aluminium ferry builders. We also inspected their shipyard facilities and reference vessels as part of our due diligence process before finally selecting Strategic Marine as our project partner.

“We are confident after seeing their project response along with their high level of workmanship and attention to detail that Strategic Marine will build these innovative vessels to the very high standard expected by Rederij Doeksen and our travelling public.”

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/02092016/construction-of-lng-powered-ferries-for-rederij-doeksen-on-schedule-2994/

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