Dubai's ship building unit Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City (DMC) have entered into a deal with Finnish marine company Wartsila to build the world’s first LNG powered harbor tug in co-operation with Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence.

As per the deal, the twop companies will collaborate with Wärtsilä for design, equipment and related support services for the construction of the tug.

This project launched under the trade mark “Elemarateyah” is part of the Dubai Maritime Green Initiative, a strategic movement to encourage all-round environmental excellence in maritime and allied sectors including oil, gas and energy.

This landmark undertaking in which the tug will have a dual engine capable of operating with both traditional MDO & LNG, will represent a major breakthrough that would decide the future of green technology, said a company statement.

Emirates Classification (Tasneef) had earlier signed a landmark partnership agreement with Drydocks World as part of the Initiative.
 
The shipping & maritime industry is moving towards an increased use of LNG driven primarily by new emissions standards that will come into place in 2015. The emission requirement globally is driving the industry towards the use of cleaner fuels.

Broadly, the LNG efficiency comparison is clearly better than MDO fuel as energy content of LNG is almost double than that of MDO, Further the cost of fuel is also a driving factor as currently, the average price of LNG is nearly half of MDO fuel.

The global reserves of gas are much larger than those of oil & looking at the macro picture the costs of LNG fuel will be further reduced in comparison to MDO in the near future. The global fleet of LNG-powered vessels is likely to increase to 1,800 vessels by 2020 as this alternate energy source is gaining more acceptance as the ‘fuel of the future’ among the global maritime community.
 
Drydocks World & Maritime World chairman Khamis Juma Buamim said Dubai is the gateway to green maritime products and services primarily due to its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, modern port facilities and shipyard services.

"Drydocks World and DMC have been pioneers in implementing green technologies at their facilities. We are considered leaders in environmental excellence in the maritime and oil & gas sectors by disseminating environment friendly technology and knowledge, promoting green values for sustainable maritime development and encouraging Research & Development," he stated.

On the new venture, Buamim said: "We are building the world’s first LNG-fuelled harbor tug and are wholeheartedly supporting the Dubai government’s initiatives. The environmental and economic advantages of using LNG as a marine propulsion fuel are immeasurable."

He pointed out that the use of LNG will reduce emissions of NOx and CO2 by approximately 85 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. "Our combined initiative with leaders in their respective fields aims to implement LNG technology at our yard and develop appropriate facilities thereby encouraging the commercial use of the technology," he added.
 
Lars Anderson, the VP (4–stroke sales) Wärtsilä Ship Power said both the companies share the same mission of providing environmental-friendly solutions to the marine industry.

"Our years of experience and technology leadership provide a strong basis of support to Drydocks World as they strive to maintain a safe and clean operating environment. At Wärtsilä we optimize a vessel’s efficiency starting from initial design, power and propulsion systems and the integrated automation system," he added.

Waleed Salman, the chairman of Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence said: "With the shipping industry being a pillar of the economy, Dubai has invested in world class infrastructure and resource efficiency. Dubai Carbon will develop a program for Drydocks World that will support ongoing and planned emission reduction projects, and identify further potential to the benefit of the organization, the customer and the emirate."

Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence will provide advisory and project management services towards the development of low-carbon strategies. The Centre will identify carbon related opportunities and strategies to consolidate a portfolio of Certified Emission Reductions (CER), he added.

Tasneef will provide classification and advisory services, issue mandatory certificates for ship registration, and provide technical and engineering services as well as training.-TradeArabia News Service