Ireland

UK – Flogas Britain, the UK’s leading LNG provider, has partnered with Associated British Ports (ABP) to bunker a ship with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time ever in the UK. The pioneering project, which mirrors similar successful schemes in other European countries, saw the 110-metre carrier Ireland, operated by Norwegian shipping firm KGJ Cement AS, refuelled with LNG at the Port of Immingham on Wednesday 16th August.

Ferus Smit delivered her Nb. 435, the second LNG powered cement tanker to her owners. The delivery was preceded by an extensive programme of trials and tests in which the proper working and safety of all systems was verified. Right after delivery M.V. Ireland left the harbour of Delfzijl on her first commercial voyage. M.V. Ireland is the second dedicated cement carrier in a series of two build for the joint venture JT cement, in which Erik Thun AB cooperates with KG Jebsen Cement from Norway. These vessels are the first ever dry cargo vessels 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. 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 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.