Furetank Rederi, a Swedish tanker operator, and Algoma Central Corporation, a Canadian dry bulk shipping company, have received two new product tankers, Fure Vesborg and Fure Viken. These vessels are part of a series of ten ships being built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
The tankers were designed by Sweden’s FKAB Marine Design to meet Bureau Veritas class rules. Each ship has a capacity of 18,000 deadweight tons (DWT) and is powered by dual-fuel engines that can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied biogas (LBG). Additionally, both vessels feature battery hybrid solutions for enhanced efficiency.
Built for Harsh Conditions and Efficient Operation
The Fure Vesborg and Fure Viken are built to operate year-round in challenging conditions. They each have Finnish/Swedish ice class 1A notation, which ensures safe navigation in tough weather. With a length of 149.9 meters (491.8 feet), a beam of 22.8 meters (74.8 feet), and a draft of 9.36 meters (30.7 feet), the ships offer a cargo capacity of 20,306 cubic meters (717,100 cubic feet). A shore power connection allows the vessels to stay powered while berthed, without needing the onboard generators.
Each ship has 12 cargo tanks, with one dedicated to slop. Propulsion comes from a medium-speed dual-fuel engine connected to a gearbox with PTI/PTO and a shaft generator. The shaft is coupled to a controllable-pitch propeller housed in a nozzle, which improves thrust by about 25% while generating less underwater noise.
Energy Efficiency and Fuel Conservation
The ships’ propulsion system uses variable frequency, allowing the propeller to adjust speed and optimize fuel use. This setup is designed to reduce fuel consumption by 20%. The shaft generator’s flexible RPM range ensures optimal performance at different speeds, and the pitch of the propeller can be adjusted depending on cargo conditions.
Minimizing Environmental Impact
The Fure Vesborg and Fure Viken feature several environmentally friendly systems. An SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from the auxiliary engines. The ships also have an inert gas generator that runs on LNG. A fuel gas supply system (FGSS) prevents methane slip by connecting all vents to tanks. Steam boilers can recover exhaust heat from both the main and auxiliary engines.
The ballast water treatment system uses UV light instead of chemical additives. The antifouling system relies on ultrasonic sound waves to prevent organisms from growing in the box coolers. For additional environmental benefits, all oil systems are filled with biodegradable oils.
Efficient Operations and Sustainable Features
LED lighting is used throughout the vessels to reduce energy consumption, and electric cargo pumps minimize noise and power usage while docked. The anchors can be remotely released from the bridge for added convenience and safety. The engine room is equipped with automatically controlled ventilation fans to reduce energy consumption, and the electrical system includes a battery backup to maintain operations during a power outage.
The crew accommodations are designed to maximize space and comfort, offering high-quality living conditions. The ships also feature onboard facilities such as a gym and a sauna for the crew’s well-being.
These new tankers from Furetank and Algoma demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency in the shipping industry.
