ABS approves LNG ATB

Jensen Maritime has designed an articulated tug-barge (ATB) that can deliver LNG to vessels, directly. The vessel has been granted ‘approval in principle’ by ABS, thereby confirming that the barge is compliant in principle with ABS rules and guides.

Features of the LNG ATB

Featuring two GE 6L250 engines and two Rolls Royce 205 Z-drives, the ATB will be built with four 1000 m³ Type C LNG tanks that will be able to hold enough LNG to fill up a large containership twice before replenishing its own supply. The vessel will carry 30 800 gal. of fresh water and 90 100 gal. of ballast water, whilst also providing enough space for 12 personnel.

ATBs, such as the one designed by Jensen, are ideal for organisations that have LNG needs at one or more ports not located near an LNG terminal. Moreover, Jensen’s ATB is oceans rated, allowing the vessel to travel beyond intracoastal waterways, unlike many other ATBs. This flexibility allows the vessel to facilitate the transfer of LNG in places with limited infrastructure, including offshore locations.

Safety features include a double hull, designed to help to protect the ATB’s 4000 gal. fuel tank, and firefighting capabilities. Classed as a firefighting vessel (FFV-1), it is well equipped to handle emergencies on board and can satisfy most requirements to have at least one FFV-classed tug escorting LNG tankers into port. Finally, because there is no linkage between the tug and barge, the two can disconnect quickly in the event of emergency.

“This vessel is exciting for so many reasons, but perhaps most notably because it offers a solution for the maritime industry, which struggles with whether to develop LNG infrastructure or vessels first,” said Jensen’s Vice President, Johan Sperling. “This unique concept offers customers an economical alternative to sourcing LNG terminals or trucking LNG to multiple ports.”

Edited from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/28072015/abs-approves-lng-atb-designed-by-jensen/