“Environship” – from idea to reality

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

14 Nov 2011

On the 18th of October, Norwegian ro-ro operator, Nor Lines, signed a contract ordering two liquefied natural gas-powered (LNG) vessels to be built by China’s Tsuji Heavy Industries.

The building of the two new Nor Lines vessels signifies the realization of “Environship”. This concept, which was developed in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce, won the “Next Generation Ship Award” during this year’s Nor-Shipping. 
Powered by LNG
In addition to being powered by LNG, the vessels also incorporate gas-electric propulsion systems and on-board power-generation that increase the vessel’s energy efficiency. While powered on LNG, the vessels will sharply reduce the emissions of hazardous natural gasses, reducing the emissions of Nitric oxide (NOx) by 90%, CO2 by 40% and eliminating sulfur and particle emissions.
The two vessels are expected to be delivered from October 2013 and will be used to load cargoes in Germany or the Netherlands, for delivery to ports along the Norwegian coastline. The order also comes with an option for two more vessels. The contract between Nor Lines and Tsuji Heavy Industries will trigger significant contributions from Norway as more than half of the contract value will be delivered by Norwegian sub-suppliers, mainly within environmental technology
Promoting environmental technology
The Norwegian Embassy in Beijing and the Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai were both present at the signing ceremony in Shanghai on October 18th. The event is regarded as very important for Norway and in line with the Norwegian government’s maritime strategy. Over the course of the last 40 years, Norwegian policy has been aiming to transfer more freight from land-based to sea transport. Alongside the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this can more easily be accomplished with the shipping companies’ incorporation of green technology in their operations.
The Foreign Missions in China put strong emphasis on promoting Norwegian environmental technology. The contract between Nor Lines and Tsuji Heavy Industries is a reminder of the growing importance of this sector. In November, the Foreign Missions, Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Business Association and Norwegian Veritas will be co-hosting a seminar to identify the market possibilities for LNG in the maritime sector in China.
Source: Norway.cn