Kanfer Shipping AS, the Norwegian-based company focused on small-scale LNG transportation and LNG bunkering, has signed a construction contract for two newbuilds with the Chinese shipyard Taizhou Wuzhou Shipbuilding Co. and with ambitions to build up a larger fleet of small and medium-scale LNG delivery vessels.
The first two vessels are scheduled for delivery by the second half of 2023, with the option for the Taizhou Wuzhou yard, based in China's eastern province of Zhejiang, to build additional ships.
Kanfer said the Norwegian firm, CGR Arctic Marine AS, had come up with a concept design for the two LNG bunker and distribution ships, including their specialized cargo and gas processing plants to address industry needs.
The initial two small-scale carriers will have capacity of 6,000 cubic metres and the firm contract followed a letter of intent signed in January 2021.
The CGR design includes mono-tank design, with simple arrangement and minimal boil-off and pure gas-electric power production combined with hybrid battery technology.
The manoeuvrability will come from Azipull thrusters and a bow thruster combined with a joystick operation.
Kanfer said “significant capital expenditure savings’ will come from choosing LNG fuel propulsion over dual-fueled design.
“This is an important step for Kanfer in realizing its goal to provide cost-efficient and environmentally friendly bunker vessels,” said Stig Anders Hagen, Chief Executive of Kanfer.
“Having strong cooperation with blue-chip shipping companies and LNG terminal owners has positioned Kanfer to move forward ith these two new LNG bunkering vessels,” explained Hagen.
“This is just the start. We will be building a large fleet of small-scale and medium-scale LNG distribution and bunkering ships,” the CEO declared.
“We see a rapidly expanding market for LNG bunker vessels as the world maritime industry continues to pivot towards its decarbonisation goals through LNG,” stated Hagen.
Kanfer noted that CGR founder, Captain Bård Nordberg, had already led the design and construction of 10 small-scale gas carriers at the Chinese shipyard, including several LNG vessels.
“Such extensive ship-building experience is unique in this space, and Kanfer is excited to leverage this,” said the company.
