First Dual Fuel Tug Launched
Gondan Shipyard in Figueras launched 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.
Designed by Robert Allan, the new escort tug measures 40.2 x 16m, beam, and 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 20ºC below zero 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, MANA correspondent reported.
For the next few months, this new vessel will be moored at the Yard´s quay while being outfitted according to the best shipbuilding standards, until completion, when she will be ready for the thorough sea trials and her following delivery in 2017.
Østensjø Rederi AS is a private company established in 1974. The company has since its beginning been a leading provider of offshore, towage and accommodation services worldwide. It operates a fleet of 28 modern vessels. The company has more than 600 employees and offices in Norway, Scotland, UK, Ireland and Malta and is a pioneer in the application of new technologies making safer, more environmentally friendly and more efficient vessels.