Rolls-Royce has successfully secured a deal with Chinese state oil company CNOOC to power Asia’s first two LNG tugs.
The construction of the tugs is to be carried out at the Zhenjiang shipyard in Jiangsu, China.
The first tug is expected to be in operation by the end of the year, whilst there is also discussion regarding another possible order for two more tugs.
The new tugs feature a pair of Rolls-Royce Bergen C26:33L9PG engines, running completely off of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
LNG will produce 98 percent less SOx than that of typical marine fuel. Both NOx and CO2 production is reduced by 71 percent and particulate matter is almost eradicated at 99 percent.
Power and propulsion will be provided by a pair of highly reliable Rolls-Royce US 205 CP azimuth thrusters; ensuring manoeuvrability and strong bollard pull capabilities.
Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, president – merchant, said: “This order is highly significant for Rolls-Royce, CNOOC, and Zhenjiang shipyard and marks a new era for tug boat propulsion technology in China, an increasingly important market for the marine industry.”
“Rolls-Royce is proud to be selected to power Asia's first pure gas powered tug and to play a pivotal role in the state's focus on reducing emissions along the coasts and inland waterways,” he continued.
“I am convinced that with the growing popularity of LNG as a marine fuel, more operators will soon begin to opt for a cleaner, lower cost and smoke-free fuel solution to power their tugs. This order will be one of many more to come.”
The order comes shortly after the arrival of the world’s first LNG powered tug, Borgoy, also powered by Rolls-Royce Bergen engines, in Norway.
