Linde to build LNG fuel gas system for Finnish Transport’s icebreaker
Finland-based Arctech Helsinki Shipyard has selected German gases and engineering firm Linde to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel gas system for the Finnish Transport Agency's icebreaker.
Finland-based Arctech Helsinki Shipyard has selected German gases and engineering firm Linde to build an LNG fuel gas system for the Finnish Transport Agency’s icebreaker.
The LNG tanks are said to be biggest ever installed for such an application.
Linde subsidiary CRYO will manufacture the fuel gas system at its facility in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The gas system, which features two 400m³ vacuum-insulated tanks, will be integrated vertically below deck.
CRYO managing director Lars Persson said this project is an important step for the marine industry.
"In the wake of a growing environmental awareness and stricter emission standards, there is clearly an increasing commitment to LNG as marine fuel."
"In the wake of a growing environmental awareness and stricter emission standards, there is clearly an increasing commitment to LNG as marine fuel," Persson said.
The icebreaker will be powered by engines that can operate on both LNG and low-sulphur diesel fuel, allowing for reduced emissions and operating costs. The vessel will be commissioned by winter 2016.
Designed for the demanding icebreaking operations in the Baltic Sea, the vessel will also perform oil spill response operations and emergency towing missions.
Procurement of the icebreaker totals €123m, of which the EU has granted the project €24m, significantly reducing the share financed by the state.
Arctech Helsinki Shipyard will build the new icebreaker for the Finnish Transport Agency’s ship.
Image: Visualisation of the icebreaker. Photo: courtesy of Finnish Transport Agency.