zoomImage Courtesy: Ferus Smit

The Netherlands-based shipbuilding company Ferus Smit delivered its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cement tanker MV Greenland to JT Cement on December 23.

Prior to the delivery, the vessel underwent an extensive program of trials and tests to examine all the components, so as to make sure they were working properly and verify safety of all systems aboard.

Built for the joint venture JT Cement, formed by Swedish shipping company Erik Thun AB and Norway-based KG Jebsen Cement, MV Greenland departed the Delfzijl harbour on its first commercial voyage to Rostock where it will receive its first cement load.

“The vessel is the first ever dry cargo vessel with an LNG-fuelled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull. The unique design incorporates a pressurised LNG tank positioned in the foreship,” Ferus Smit said.

“While sailing on LNG, the vessel will meet the most stringent emission criteria, as well as new norms that might be in place in futures for environmental sensitive areas,” the company added.

MV Greenland features a cement cargo system which consists of a fully automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air.