First LNG powered tug launched
The world’s first LNG powered tug has been launched in Turkey. Borgøy, will enter service next month following sea trials to be operated by Norwegian state oil company Statoil at the Kårstø gas terminal.
It’s the first of two tugs being built by Sanmar Shipyard for Norwegian customer Buksér og Berging, each of which will feature two Rolls-Royce Bergen C26:33L6PG engines fuelled purely by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Neil Gilliver, president – merchant, Rolls-Royce, said that the tug heralds a new era for tug boat propulsion because the vessels will emit 30% lower fuel emissions than conventionally fuelled tugs.
“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”, he said.
Mr Gilliver says that LNG is gaining in popularity and is increasingly being used across a range of ship types – combined lower costs and environmental credentials are seeing operators select it over traditional fuels.
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