Desgagnés takes delivery of LNG dual-fuel tanker

The vessel was constructed in Turkey, and is the first in a series of four oil carriers, custom-built according to an original concept developed by Desgagnés. It features a double hull, and is equipped with a Wärtsilä 5RT-flex 50DF engine with a power output of 5450 kW. The vessel can be powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine diesel oil, or LNG, making it the first dual-fuel powered Canadian-flagged tanker and first-ever asphalt carrier of this type.

The 15 000 DWT Damia Desgagnés has tanks that can carry 14 950 m³ when filled at 98%. It can also carry over 13 500 t of asphalt at a draft of 7.8 m in seawater. The vessel also holds a Polar 7 certification, confirming its ability to travel through ice-laden water. In addition to this, in order to ensure manoeuvrability and safety, the vessel features a variable pitch propeller, a 750 kW stern thruster and a dynamic positioning system.

Louis-Marie Beaulieu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Desgagnés, said: “The addition of the Damia Desgagnés to the Desgagnés fleet is the result of tremendous work, innovations and constant collaboration with the shipyard, and is the source of great pride.

“The Damia Desgagnés tangibly demonstrates all of Desgagnés' vision and leadership with regards to sustainable development as well as its commitment to its clientele in order to offer a first-class, safe and environmentally-friendly marine transportation service for petroleum products.”

Since last August – in addition to the training received in Canada – more than 15 Desgagnés crewmembers and managers travelled to Turkey in order to familiarise themselves with the new vessel’s features and technologies, particularly the dual-fuel propulsion system. They also took part in various verifications, inspections and trials.

Extensive training has been provided to prepare crewmembers to operate the Damia Desgagnés, as well as the other three vessels currently under construction. To date, nearly 2500 hours of training in handling LNG has been provided.

Sébastien Déry, Chief Engineer aboard the Damia Desgagnés, commented: “It's stimulating to work on a modern and cutting-edge vessel. We are very eager to go out to sea and bring her back to Canada."

Marie-Claire Dusseault, Chief Officer aboard the vessel, added: “We've worked really hard in the last few months to learn and to ensure we have mastered the technologies aboard the Damia Desgagnés. The reward is there with the pride of being part of the commissioning of a ship that is so much on the leading-edge with regards to environment and safety.”

In the statement, Desgagnés acknowledges that LNG refuelling distribution networks for vessels without specific service points and trading routes remains a significant challenge. Nonetheless, it adds that these are being developed through collaboration with partners including Gaz Métro and the ports of Quebec and Montreal. Desgagnés claims that it will continue working with the various suppliers to improve and adapt their services to requirements of the marine industry.

Beaulieu concluded: “LNG has a bright future in maritime transportation and Desgagnés will actively contribute to broadening its use."

The new vessel is scheduled to weigh anchor around 10 April 2017. It is likely to make a first delivery to Europe before heading to North America, where is expected to arrive around mid-May (all subject to the cargo that will be carried).

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/31032017/desgagns-takes-delivery-of-lng-dual-fuel-tanker/