World’s First Natural Gas Tugboats

LNG engines run cleaner and longer than diesel

ship, lng, natrual gas, tugboat, rolls royce, turkey, norway, oil, gas The Sanmar Shipyard announced that it has built the world’s first liquid natural gas (LNG) powered tugboat.

The M/T Borgøy, measuring in at 35 meter long (115ft), is one of a pair of vessels to be delivered to Norway’s oil and gas company Statoil.

The ship, which is powered by Rolls-Royce Bergen C26:33L6PG spark-ignited gas engines, will be capable of exerting up to 100 tons of pull while travelling at 10 knots. With full cryogenic fuel tanks, the Borgøy will be able to push and pull vessels for 5 to 6 days.

The Borgøy becomes as maneuverable as it is powerful when you add a pair of Rolls-Royce US35, 3 meter ducted azimuth thrusters with controllable pitch

 “Gas is gaining in popularity as a maritime fuel,” commented Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce President. “Its environmental credentials, combined with lower costs are seeing many operators select it over traditional fuels”.

Furthermore, according to Sanmar’s estimates, the Borgøy will emit 26% less CO2, and 90% less NOx than its diesel powered counterparts.

Given that countries are coming around to the idea of a carbon tax, these boats might be a preview of the future.

Image Courtesy of Rob Almeida/gCaptain