Completion of first LNG powered tug

Rolls-Royce has congratulated Sanmar Shipyard for the completion of the world’s first gas powered tug.

Sanmar has completed the first of two tugs for Norwegian customer Buksér og Berging, each of which feature two Rolls-Royce Bergen engines powered exclusively by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The first boat, named Borgøy, will begin operations next month following a number of sea trials. It will be operated by Norwegian state oil company Statoil at its Kårstø gas terminal.

New era for tug boat propulsion

Rolls-Royce President Merchant, Neil Gilliver said: "The completion of this vessel is highly significant for Rolls-Royce, Sanmar Shipyard and Buksér og Berging. We are extremely proud to have worked together on this successful project which heralds a new era for tug boat propulsion.”

"Gas is gaining in popularity as a maritime fuel, and its environmental credentials, combined with lower costs are seeing many operators select it over traditional fuels, across a range of ship types.”

Widely available LNG

"Most of the world's tug fleets operate close to shore, where emissions regulations are most stringent. As LNG becomes more widely available, I have no doubt that many major ports will soon opt for this clean, lower cost and smoke-free fuel to power their tugs," Gilliver concluded.

The combination of Rolls-Royce gas engines and the latest thruster design, mean that the new tug’s CO₂ emissions will be around 30% lower than tugs powered by conventional fuels. They will also comply with future emission regulations.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/07102013/completion_of_first_lng_powered_tug_296/