Dutch shipbuilder Ferus Smit has delivered the second LNG-powered cement carrier, MV Ireland, to owners JT Cement, a joint venture between Swedish shipping company Erik Thun AB and Norway’s KG Jebsen Cement.
MV Ireland, along with sister vessel MV Greenland delivered in December 2015, are the first ever dry cargo vessels with an LNG fuelled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull, the builder said. The newbuild’s design incorporates a pressurized LNG tank positioned in the foreship.
While sailing on LNG, the vessel will meet stringent emission criteria, as well as new norms that might be in place in futures for environmental sensitive areas.
The cement cargo system consists of a fully automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air. The cement can be loaded and unloaded fully enclosed through pipes, thus dust-free.
M.V. Ireland’s delivery was preceded by an extensive program of trials and tests in which the proper working and safety of all systems was verified.
Immediately following the delivery ceremony, the vessel departed the harbor of Delfzijl on her first commercial voyage.