Claimed to be the first of its kind, a cargo carrier powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has entered the testing phase off the eastern coast of China.
The 5,000-tonne deadweight vessel is one of two being built by Tsuji Heavy Industries in a deal with Norwegian shipping company Nor Lines AS.
Now in the primary testing phase, it is believed that the vessel will be more than ready for the scheduled June delivery date.
According to Xinhua, testing is being carried out near the Port of Zhangjiangang in eastern China.
The vessels were ordered in 2011.
Both use the award winning Rolls-Royce’s fuel saving Environship design.
Environship includes a LNG-powered Bergen engine, Promas combined rudder and propeller and a hybrid shaft generator in order to optimise electrical power.
It is as yet unknown as to when the second vessel will be completed.
