By Mark Edward Nero
A Jensen Maritime-designed, liquefied natural gas bunkering articulated tug-barge (ATB) has been granted “approval in principle” by classification society American Bureau of Shipping, Jensen revealed July 27.
The designation means that Jensen’s vessel concept, which is classed as an A1 Liquefied Gas Tank Barge, is compliant in principle with ABS rules and guides.
Jensen’s ATB is also oceans rated, meaning that it is not limited to intracoastal waterways, like other similar types of LNG ATBs.
Jensen says the ATB will be built with four 1,000-cubic meter Type C LNG tanks (seven bar working pressure), capable of carrying enough LNG to fill up a large containership twice before having to replenish its own supply.
“This vessel is exciting for so many reasons, but perhaps most notably because it offers a solution for the maritime industry, which struggles with whether to develop LNG infrastructure or vessels first,” Jensen Vice President Johan Sperling said. “This unique concept offers customers an economical alternative to sourcing LNG terminals or trucking LNG to multiple ports.”
The barge measures 360 feet by 60 feet by 35 feet, with a combined tug-and-barge length of 452 feet. The tug also features two GE 6L250 Tier 3 engines, each offering at least 2,035 horsepower, and two Rolls Royce 205 Z-drives, with a speed of 12 knots.
The ATB is designed to carry 30,800 gallons of fresh water and 90,100 gallons of ballast water and provides enough space for 12 crewmembers. Safety features include a double hull, designed to help to protect the ATB’s 4,000-gallon fuel tank, and firefighting capabilities. Because there is no linkage between the tug and barge, the two could disconnect quickly in the event of emergency.
Jensen says expected time to build the ATB is between 18 and 30 months.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
