China’s Wuhu Shipyard has launched the first out of two LNG-powered bitumen carriers it is building for Colas Group’s Continental Bitumen.
Sweden’s FKAB, the designer of the vessels, said on Thursday that Wuhu floated out the LNG-powered Atlantic Narval for Continental Bitumen and sister company Tipco.
Wuhu started building this 21,100-cbm bitumen and oil product LNG-powered tanker in November last year following the order by Continental Bitumen in January the same year.
VesselsValue data shows the vessels have a price tag of about $30 million, each, and are slated for delivery in 2023.
The BV-classed 169 meters long vessels will feature dual-fuel propulsion but also a battery pack.
In addition, the main four-stroke DF engine will be capable to run on either LNG or bio-LNG.
The two carriers will serve Continental Bitumen’s network of terminals as well as their sister companies in Asia, Australia, and North America, Wuhu previously said.