Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City to build LNG tug

Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City (DMC) have entered into a Memoranda of Understanding with Wärtsilä and Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence to build an LNG powered harbour tug.

Dubai Maritime Green Initiative

This project, launched under the trade mark ‘Elemarateyah’, is part of the Dubai Maritime Green Initiative, a strategic movement to encourage environmental excellence in maritime and allied sectors including oil, gas and energy.

The tug will have a dual engine capable of operating with both traditional marine diesel oil and LNG. Emirates Classification (TASNEEF) had earlier signed a partnership agreement with Drydocks World as part of the initiative.

Green technologies

His Excellency Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World, commented: “Dubai is the gateway to green maritime products and services primarily due to its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, modern port facilities and shipyard services. Drydocks World and DMC have been pioneers in implementing green technologies at their facilities. We are considered leaders in environmental excellence in the maritime and oil and gas sectors by disseminating environment friendly technology and knowledge, promoting green values for sustainable maritime development and encouraging Research and Development.

Reduce emissions

“We are building the world’s first LNG-fuelled harbour tug and are wholeheartedly supporting the Government of Dubai’s initiatives. The environmental and economic advantages of using LNG as a marine propulsion fuel are immeasurable. Use of LNG will reduce emissions of NOx and CO₂ by approximately 85% and 25% respectively. Our combined initiative with leaders in their respective fields aims to implement LNG technology at our yard and develop appropriate facilities thereby encouraging the commercial use of the technology.”

Marine industry

Lars Anderson, VP, 4 –stroke Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power, added: “Wärtsilä and Drydocks World share the same mission of providing environmental friendly solutions to the marine industry. Our years of experience and technology leadership provide a strong basis of support to Drydocks World as they strive to maintain a safe and clean operating environment. At Wärtsilä we optimize a vessel’s efficiency starting from initial design, power and propulsion systems and the integrated automation system. By signing the MoU, Wärtsilä will be able to enhance further its cooperation with Drydocks World ensuring delivery of modern and efficient ships complying with the present legislations and the ones to come. In this case DDW is the first in Middle East to lead the Green and Eco ships. This will set an example for many owners/operators in the area to follow.”

Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City will collaborate with Wärtsilä for design, equipment and related support services for the construction of the tug.

World class infrastructure

His Excellency Waleed Salman, Chairman of Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, stated: “With the shipping industry being a pillar of the economy, Dubai has invested in world class infrastructure and resource efficiency. Dubai Carbon will develop a program for Drydocks World that will support ongoing and planned emission reduction projects, and identify further potential to the benefit of the organization, the customer and the Emirate of Dubai.” Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence will provide advisory and project management services towards the development of low-carbon strategies. The Centre will identify carbon related opportunities and strategies to consolidate a portfolio of Certified Emission Reductions (CER).

Classification services

TASNEEF will provide classification and advisory services, issue mandatory certificates for ship registration, and provide technical and engineering services as well as training.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/22052014/dubai_to_build_lng_harbour_tug_642/