Terntank Orders LNG-Powered Chemical Tankers

Swedish tanker owner Terntank has stepped forward and placed the first order ever for the new WÃ¤rtsilÃ¤ 5RT-flex50DF dual fuel, low pressure, 2-stroke engine. These engines are to power a pair of 15,000 dwt product tankers which will be built by AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding in China.

While gCaptain was in Italy the other week, WÃ¤rtsilÃ¤ hinted that a deal was close and a source inside the company has confirmed the deal tonight.

According to Swedish media, the two ships are to be delivered by 2016.

These two ships will be designed by Rolls-Royce and will feature an optimized hull form and an extra large propeller, designed for lower shaft RPMs. These ships will be designed for a cruising speed of 14.5 knots.

WÃ¤rtsilÃ¤ notes that these engines are capable of switching from diesel fuel to natural gas fuel seamlessly and without power fluctuations.

As for the price, Terntank notes that these two vessels will cost approximately 20 percent more than conventionally-powered ships of the same size, a figure which matches other LNG-powered vessels such as the world’s first dual fuel tugboat, the Sanmar-built M/T BorgÃ¸y.

Want to know more about WÃ¤rtsilÃ¤’s “secret weapon,” Click HERE.