The first unique LNG-powered vessel that Ferus Smit has on order for Erik Thun A.B. will be built and equipped as a dedicated cement carrier. It will be delivered to the joint venture JT Cement, in which Erik Thun AB cooperates with KG Jebsen Cement from Norway. The ship will be delivered as Nb. 423 on Westerbroek yard in late 2015. There is an option for a second vessel of the same design.
The vessel cargo system will consist of a fully automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air. The system is designed and delivered by KGJ Cement, a company also part of the KG Jebsen group.
The special fluidization systems combined with slanted tanktops in the cargo holds will enable the bulk cargo to flow to a central suction point in the holds, from where it is transported onwards via pipelines. The cargo holds will be completely closed, identical to a tanker, ensuring environmentally friendly, dust free operation and possibility to load and discharge in all weather conditions. The cargo handling equipment will be able to discharge up to 500 m3 per hour.
In order to maximize cargo intake, the original bulker design was enlarged. Cargo capacity will now be around 7200 DWT, with length 109.65m and breadth 14.99 mtr. Characteristics of year round Baltic service with iceclass 1A and a Wärtsilä dual fuel engine fed by a pressurized type C LNG tank inside the hull remain unchanged.
Source: Ferus Smit
