BP
Shipping took delivery this week of the British Emerald, the world’s largest
liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC), the first in a series of dual-fuel diesel-electric
gas ships. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, Korea, at 155,000 cubic
metres she is the largest LNGC to date.
The design and construction of this technologically advanced vessel is more
fuel efficient than comparable LNG carriers, which will result in reduced fuel
costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The dual-fuel technology allows the diesel
engines to run on “boil-off” gases from the cargo tanks or on conventional
diesel fuel. The vessel will burn 40 tonnes per day (tpd) less than a conventional
LNGC of similar size which would burn about 180 tpd.
Being powered by four diesel-electric engines also provides a significant improvement
in propulsion redundancy and the vessel is equipped with a bow thruster to assist
in mooring operations.
The British Emerald and her sister ships have an overall length of 288m and
a breadth of 44.2m.
The 23 man crew will put the vessel though an extensive commissioning programme
lasting approximately 10 days prior to entering service. BP intends to trade
this vessel world-wide.
This vessel is the first of a fleet of four “Gem” class LNG carriers;
British Diamond, British Ruby and British Sapphire will be delivered in 2008.