FEBRUARY 27, 2013 — Two Norwegian fish feed transporters are to be LNG-fueled. Ordered by shipowner Egil Ulvan Rederi AS from shipbuilder Fiskerstrand BLRT AS in Ålesund, the vessels are being built to operate on a long term charter to fish farm giant Marine Harvest ASA, serving its new fish feed factory at Bjugn in Mid-Norway.

The vessels are being built to Multi Maritime AS's MM 70 CC LNG design, developed in close cooperation with the shipowner. They will have an advanced LNG-gas-electric propulsion system and only shipyards with experience and references in this technology were invited to bid for the newbuilding contracts.

The main particulars are 69.90 m LOA, with a beam of 17.20 m, and depth of 7.90 m from upper deck. The cargo capacity is 5,000 cu.m, corresponding to approximately 3,000 metric tons.

The vessels will be built to DNV +1 A1, General Cargo Carrier, Gas fueled, Clean, TMON, E0, or equivalent, requirements

The cargo handling system will be delivered by Graintec A/S of Denmark and has been developed in close cooperations with the shipowner and the charterer to ensure a seamless interface with the land based fish feed processing plant.

Delivery of the vessels is planned for June and September 2014.

Fiskerstrand's experience in building gas-powered vessels includes delivery of thecar and passenger ferry Boknafjord, the largest currently sailing LNG-gas powered ferry. The shipyard is also set to redeliver the former car and passenger ferry Fjalir to Linde Group member AGA. Now renamed LNGF SeaGas, it has been converted into the first special purpose, vessel to vessel, LNG-gas bunkering tanker in the world (see earlier story).