European dredger converted to LNG dual-fuel operation

According to the statement, the conversion of the Samuel de Champlain is the first of its kind in Europe, and is part of an EU-supported initiative to promote LNG propulsion in short-sea vessels operating along the European Atlantic coast.

The 8500 m³ trailing suction hopper dredger is 117 m long, and is owned by Rouenbased GIE Dragages-Ports and operated by Port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire.

The conversion involved the replacement of the vessel’s diesel-electric MGO-burning propulsion system with three MAN 6L35/44DF dual-fuel models. In addition to this, it also included the installation of on board LNG storage facilities.

Louis-Marie Rouxel, Project Manager for Damen, said: “The main reason for choosing MAN was the performance of its highly competitive 35/44 DF engine in response to load impacts. The unique demands of dredgers required engines capable of supporting great loads and, as a result of our studies, it turned out that this was the engine that best met these parameters.”

Lex Nijsen, Head of Four-Stroke Marine Sales, MAN Energy Solutions, added: “This is a significant moment for European shipping, as evident by the support the EU is offering. This conversion is just the beginning of a path that will lead to a comprehensive LNG infrastructure around the continent in the pursuit of more efficient propulsion and cleaner emissions. I’m very happy that the MAN 35/44DF engine has been deemed worthy of meeting the demanding criteria that both the dredger world and this broader project require.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/26062019/european-dredger-converted-to-lng-dual-fuel-operation/