LNG-operated survey vessel floated in Kiel

The vessel was built on behalf of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and the vessel’s general contractor is Fassmer shipyard. It’s hull and superstructure, as well as parts of its outfitting, were constructed at German Naval Yards Kiel. The survey vessel is destined to be used for wreck search and underwater surveying.

LNG-propulsion is a very innovative feature of the ATAIR, thus it will run on LNG fuel instead of the usual diesel.

Harald Fassmer, Managing Director of Fassmer shipyard said: “The building of the vessel is very complex and large parts of outfitting works are still ahead of us. Therefore, I am glad that we have reached this milestone in time. The towing of the ship to Fassmer shipyard is scheduled for middle of March, where installation and finishing works in all trades will be continued seamlessly.”

Jörg Herwig, Managing Director of German Naval Yards Kiel, added: “We are very proud that German Naval Yards Kiel has proven again its ability to build a complex and technically demanding vessel once more in due time and within budget. Especially if we consider the innovative side of the vessel, floating of the dock becomes a particularly emotional moment.” Furthermore, Herwig emphasised the “extraordinary tight cooperation” with Fassmer. “We are pulling together in the same direction and this is for the benefit of the vessel’s quality.”

After successfully completing all trials, the new building is due to be delivered to BSH in spring 2020.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/04032019/lng-operated-survey-vessel-floated-in-kiel/