Containerships to run ships on LNG

Containerships Ltd Oy, GNS Shipping/Nordic Hamburg, and ARKON Shipping have ordered two state-of-the-art, dual-fuel engine-technology container ships. The ships, which will be delivered in 2016, will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) in conjunction with conventional marine diesel oil/heavy fuel.

Containerships will be the first short-sea container operator in Europe to run ships on LNG. The new container ships will offer the most efficient and environmentally friendly option for transporting containers by sea, and will aim to exceed environmental standards in the Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in which Containerships operates.

The new ships will feature innovative design elements for the European short-sea trade. Containerships will be chartering the ships over the long term; the owner and technical manager will be GNS Shipping/Nordic Hamburg, while Arkon will be the commercial manager and the charter broker.

Kari-Pekka Laaksonen said that the decision to invest in the dual-fuel engine technology matches Containerships’ long-term strategy: “We are a short-sea operator that is in it for the long haul, and these state-of-the art ships are just one part of our long-term strategy. In addition to offering the most ecologically sustainable solution, the intake capacity of these ships will allow us to keep meeting growing customer demand. And we’re confident that both of our partners on this project have the know-how and the experience to deliver.”

According to Gasum, the use of LNG will help Containerships reduce CO2 levels by 25%.

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/09052014/containerships_orders_dual_fuel_engine_technology_container_ships/