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Robert Allan and MTU develop LNG-fuelled pushboat

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LNG Industry,


Robert Allan Ltd has announced that it has teamed up with MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH to develop the first gas-fuelled shallow draft pushboat design.

According to the statement, the RApide 2800-G pushboat is a preliminary design, utilising the proven shallow draft RApide 2800-Z2 pushboat that currently operates on the Amazon River system. The vessel design was modified to suit a complete LNG propulsion system with two 746 kW MTU 8V4000M55R-N Tier III gas safe main engines. In addition to the engines, MTU also reportedly acts as the system integrator, meaning it will also provide the complete LNG package: LNG tank system and integrated ship monitoring, LNG control and safety systems.

While maintaining the existing hull shape, Robert Allan claims that the design was reconfigured in order to allow the installation of the LNG tank while still providing adequate space for other machinery and a comfortable work environment for the crew. The lower crew cabins, mess, and galley moved up a deck and the deckhouse was enlarged. While challenging, the project complies with the rules for the gas system hazardous zones of a compact 28 m tug. To ensure redundancy, there are two independent tank connection spaces attached to the LNG tank (one for each engine).

For continuous operation on a river system, the design accommodates a 14-person crew, with the master and chief engineer having single cabins and double cabins for the balance of the crew.

The vessel is designed to comply with DNV-GL rules with the following notations: INLAND NAVIGATION VESSELS (RU-INV) ? 1A Z PUSHER, GAS FUELLED. It is currently undergoing an approval in principle (AIP) review.

The vessel’s particulars are as follows:

  • Length overall: 28.0 m.
  • Beam, moulded: 10.5 m.
  • Depth, moulded: 3.2 m.
  • Draft, maximum: 2.5 m.

Approximate tank capacities:

  • LNG (gross): 70.0 m3.
  • Fuel oil: 19.2 m3.
  • Potable water: 26.6 m3.
  • Water ballast: 47.9 m3.
  • Sewage: 5.6 m3.
  • Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/23082019/robert-allan-and-mtu-develop-lng-fuelled-pushboat/

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