EMEA News
CNG-Powered Tug Planned
Damen Shipyard of the Netherlands says it is joining with German engine maker MTU Friedrichsafen (MTU), a division of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, and SVITZER of Denmark to build a tug powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
The Reverse Stern Drive (RSD) CNG tug, planned for launch in 2016, will offer high power while reducing fuel costs and emissions.
"Damen is proud to be building the prototype," said Martijn Smit, the company's European sales manager.
"With the MTU 4000 engine, this vessel is excellent for ship handling, with very quick acceleration.
"Manoeuvrability is combined with the vessel being green, clean and efficient."
The vessel's 16-cylinder engine is based on MTU's workboat Series 4000 M63 diesel engine, with a multipoint gas injection system and a dynamic engine control.
"We are developing our new gas Series in order to meet the extreme load profile of the tugboat," said Ulrich Dohle, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.
"The acceleration will be comparable to the level of our diesel engines."
The vessel will comply with IMO Tier 3 requirements without the use of exhaust gas treatment systems.
SVITZER CTO Kristian Brauner said the tug will reduce the company's fuel costs.
"And crucially, as a market leader it is important for us to stay innovative with regards to performing safe and eco-friendly operations and to reduce emissions," he said.
"Through the years we have already developed one version of the ECOtug and with this in mind, the choice to develop the new CNG tug is a natural step towards remaining an eco-conscious towage company."
Unlike liquefied natural gas (LNG), CNG does not require refrigeration, but its energy density is about half that of LNG, meaning it requires more space for storage, according to the website of Sea NG, a marine CNG transportation company.
