Launching of the First Dual Fuel Tug Built in Europe
At Gondan Shipyard in Figueras, Spain, the first dual fuel tug ever built in Europe, and the first of a series of three currently under construction for the Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi, has been successfully launched.
Designed by the Canadian company Robert Allan, the new escort tug, with 40.2m length and 16m beam, will provide tug services to Norwegian state-owned energy company Statoil, at the far-north terminal located at Melkøya. Built to withstand freezing cold, the vessel is shaped specifically to grant full operational availability at temperatures of -20°C and combines environmental sustainability trough the use of LNG in most of its operations, with the flexibility of diesel power to ensure a high level of operational security.
For the next few months, the new vessel will be moored at the yard’s quay while being outfitted. After completion she will be ready for the thorough sea trials and delivery in 2017.