China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has taken delivery of Asia’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled tugboat, Hai Yang Shi You 525. The decision to operate on LNG follows the Chinese government’s 2011 plan to strengthen its maritime base with the manufacture of high-end, ecologically efficient ships and technology.
Hai Yang Shi You 525, the first of two tugs built by the Zhenjiang shipyard for CNOOC, has a propulsion package based on twin Rolls-Royce Bergen C26:33L9PG engines and a pair of Rolls-Royce US 205 CP azimuth thrusters to ensure the tugs have rapid manoeuvring and strong bollard pull capabilities.
The Bergen C26:33 gas engines reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx emissions by up to 90%. Sulphur oxides are essentially zero and particulates are dramatically reduced, minimising emissions along coasts and inland waterways.
Related news:CNOOC overseas LNG base starts operation
Richard Wang, Rolls-Royce senior vice president – commercial marine, said, “We are proud to be powering Asia’s first gas-powered tug so shortly after delivering Borgøy, the world’s first LNG-powered tug, to Norwegian owner Bukser og Berging.
“This order marks a new era for tugboat propulsion technology in China. As its shipbuilding industry shifts focus from standard designs to more sophisticated tonnage, more owners and operators will see the benefit of using cleaner, more efficient fuelling solutions for their vessels,” he said.
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
