zoomImage Courtesy: Leif Pape/Ferus Smit

Dutch shipbuilder Ferus Smit has delivered MV Ireland, the second LNG-powered cement tanker to its owner, JT Cement, a joint venture between Swedish shipping company Erik Thun AB and KG Jebsen Cement from Norway.

Prior to its delivery, the vessel underwent a program of trials and tests in which the proper working and safety of all systems were verified.

Following the delivery, the MV Ireland departed the Defzijl harbor on its first commercial voyage.

Next to the MV Ireland, the MV Greenland, the first of the two vessels, was delivered on December 23. The two ships are the first ever dry cargo vessels with an LNG-fueled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull, according to Ferus.

“The unique design incorporates a pressurized LNG tank positioned in the foreship. While sailing on LNG, the vessel will meet the most stringent emission criteria, as well as new norms that might be in place in the future for environmental sensitive areas,” Ferus Smit said.

The MV Ireland’s cargo system consists of a fully-automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air.

The vessel was launched on March 19 at the Netherlands-based Ferus Smit Westerbroek Yard.