Spain’s SENER Group Designs LNG Bunkering Vessel

The SENER Group, an international technology and engineering company headquartered in Spain, has developed its own design of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering vessel in response to the growing demand for LNG as a marine fuel. The 114.8 m vessel is designed for navigation, maneuverability and operation in adverse meteorological conditions, including Unrestricted Navigation notation. The propulsion also uses LNG as fuel, with type C tanks on deck.

SENER explains it has applied the knowledge acquired throughout more than 40 years of activity in design, construction and operation of regasification plants, as well as in the design of Floating Regasification and Storage Units (FSRU).

The SENER design follows the tendencies for 2030 required by operators and ship-owners. The result is a Ship To Ship (STS) LNG bunkering vessel, with IMO type C LNG cargo tanks at 4,5 bar and -163ºC, which reduces to a minimum the steam generated in the tanks (BOG – Boil Off Generated). A BOG management system has been incorporated, to process the BOG generated in the transfer process. This storage system allows greater flexibility of operation, reducing the effect of the wave inside the tank, sloshing, thus allowing partial loads.

Also, the vessel includes latest generation articulated arms designed for the STS bunkering process, with a high level of automation and control, including a system to obtain the maximum accuracy in measurement of the transference rate, and complying with the regulations of SIGTTO, OCIMF and IGC, among others. The vessel can carry 8000 m3 LNG in two tanks.

DNV-GL classification: 1 Al, +Tanker for Liquefied gas, GAS FUELLED, Ship type 2G, (independent tank type C, 4,5 bar, -163ºC, 650 kg/m3), ESP, BIS, SBM, BWM, E0, ECHO, NAUT-AW, Recyclable, ECA

Since 2006, the marine industry of the north of Europe has been subject to increasingly stringent emissions control regulations typical of this geographic area and, therefore, has developed experience in the bunkering of small-scale vessels. The new Sulphur and Nitrates Emission Control Area (SECA/NECA), regulated by MARPOL, has promoted the use of the LNG as fuel for the propulsion of ships sailing frequently in this zones and harbour areas. The use of LNG significantly reduces the CO2 emissions and practically suppresses those of SO2, NOx and pollutant particles, and thus it can lead to the development of more environmentally friendly vessels. Spainhas a network of LNG plants operating along its coasts.

https://www.ngvglobal.com/blog/spains-sener-group-designs-lng-bunkering-vessel-0126