The European Sener technology and engineering group said it has developed its own design of a liquefied natural gas bunkering vessel.
Barcelona, Spain-based Sener said it had applied the knowledge acquired in more than 40 years of design, construction and operation of LNG regasification plants as well as in the design of Floating Regasification and Storage Units (FSRUs).
"Spain has Europe's largest LNG import terminals network operating along its coasts and cannot be left behind in the development of this technology," the company said.
The group's ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering vessel will have type-C LNG cargo tanks at 4.5 bar and -163ºC. This technology reduces to a minimum the steam generated in the tanks by boil-off gas and includes a gas management system to process the BOG generated in the transfer process.
The main particulars of Sener´s prototype bunkering vessel is overall length 114.8 metres, moulded breadth 20.4m, depth 8.5m and draught 5.7m.
The Spanish vessel has a speed of 15 knots, capacity of 8,000 cubic metres and two tanks on board.
"This storage system allows greater flexibility of operation, reducing the effect of the wave inside the tank, sloshing, thus allowing partial loads," Sener said.
"The vessel is designed for navigation, manoeuvrability and operation in adverse meteorological conditions, including Unrestricted Navigation notation," it added.
The propulsion uses LNG as fuel, with type C tanks on deck. Likewise, it includes last generation articulated arms designed for the STS bunkering process.
This includes a high level of automation and control, including a measuring system to obtain the maximum accuracy in the measurement of the transference rate.
This is in compliance with the regulations of the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO), the Oil Companies International Marine Forum and the International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, known as the IGC Code.
Sener said that since 2015 the marine industry of the north of Europe has been subject to stricter emissions control regulations.
The new carbon-dioxide, sulphur and nitrates controls in the Emission Control Area (ECA) has promoted the use of the LNG as a fuel for the propulsion of ships sailing frequently in this zone and in harbour areas.
"The use of LNG significantly reduces the CO2 emissions and practically suppresses those of SO2, NOx and pollutant particles, and thus it can lead to the development of more environmentally friendly vessels," Sener explained.
