Kvitbjørn

Norway shipping company Nor Lines’ new flagship Kvitbjørn has started its commercial operation, following its naming ceremony at Stavanger, Norway.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce pure-gas engine, this new 5,000dwt short sea cargo vessel is claimed to be the world’s first vessel to operate between Asia and Europe solely on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

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Nor Lines CEO Arne Borge said: "The success of the voyage from Asia to Europe on LNG not only confirms the energy-saving and emissions-reduction attributes of Rolls-Royce’s pure-gas engine, but provides evidence to owners of larger tonnage that LNG is not just for short sea coastal ships.

"The Environship concept with the Bergen engine has exceeded all our expectations."

The new-build features a range of Rolls-Royce technologies, providing efficiency savings to ship owners.

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It includes a Bergen engine powered by LNG, the Promas combined rudder and propeller, a hybrid shaft generator to optimise use of electrical power and an innovative wave-piercing hull design.

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"The success of the voyage…provides evidence to owners of larger tonnage that LNG is not just for short sea coastal ships."

With these features, the vessel will be able to minimise CO2 emissions by up to 40% more than similar diesel-powered vessels, Rolls-Royce stated.

Rolls-Royce LNG Systems sales manager Oscar Kallerdahl said: "It is important to note that the Bergen B35:40 gas engine is not a dual-fuel engine.

"A pure-gas engine and shaft generator driving a controllable pitch propeller is the most effective configuration for keeping emissions low and improving fuel consumption."

This environmentally friendly ship will be deployed to deliver cargo in ports between Hamburg, the Netherlands and the Norwegian mainland’s most Northern city, Hammerfest.

Image: Nor Lines’ new flagship, Kvitbjørn. Photo: courtesy of Nor Lines.