Damen Promotes Range of Liquefied Gas Carriers in Response to Growing LNG Market

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday March 2, 2017

Damen Shipyards Group (Damen) today announced that, in response to the changes seen in the maritime liquefied natural gas (LNG) market in recent years, it is promoting its range of liquefied gas carriers, including LNG bunkering vessels.

"Emissions regulations are getting tighter every day. Ships need to reduce their emissions – and one way to do that is LNG," said Bastiaan Schurink, Damen Shipyards Bergum’s Design & Proposal Marketer, noting that, with the emissions control areas (ECAs), ship owners are looking for solutions to meet new legislation.

"Of course there are other ways, but LNG is a preferred method to reduce not only SOx and NOx, but also a substantial amount of CO2 emissions."

The company explains that its range of vessels will be capable of transporting all types of liquefied gases, and will feature a wide range of cargo capacities, including 500, 1,500, 3,000, 5,000, 6,500, and 7,500 cubic metres (cbm).

Richard Nugteren, Damen Product Director Cargo Vessels, says the vessels' designs are based on a number of established features, including "proven" fuel-saving hull forms that are focused on efficient hydrodynamics to enable minimal resistance during sailing.

"At the moment this is a small niche market – but it’s up and coming," said Schurink, adding: "the European market is getting the ball rolling, and we expect these developments to continue in other regions too."

"For example, the North American market is paying more attention to emissions. And the feeder markets in Indonesia and the Mediterranean are also interesting. We have designs and the specs available. All in all, we are fully prepared to build these vessels."

In September, Damen announced that it had launched a new concept design for a feeder container ship, which includes an option to use LNG propulsion.