Equinor testing new LNG-powered shuttle tankers

Norwegian energy giant Equinor is testing two newbuild liquefied natural gas-powered shuttle tankers it chartered for operations in the North Sea.

The first tanker Eagle Blane is owned by Malaysian shipowner AET, while the second vessel Rainbow Spirit belongs to Teekay’s Altera.

Eagle Blane recently conducted its first LNG bunkering in the port of Rotterdam prior to heading to Amoyfjorden near Stavanger.

Besides LNG, these two vessels also have an oil vapor recovery plant to enable them to collect and use liquefied volatile organic compounds, LVOCs, from the cargo as fuel.

Equinor is now testing both of the vessels near Stavanger to check whether all systems are functioning properly.

“For when placing large heavy vessels adjacent to giant oil platforms, it’s best to be absolutely sure that, among other things, positioning systems are working properly”, the Norwegian company said.

Equinor says the testing is exceeding all of the company’s expectations, especially considering all restrictions on travel, quarantine and obtaining equipment and parts due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rainbow Spirit
Rainbow Spirit (Image: Inger Johanne Stenberg/Equinor)

The two vessels are part of a major renewal of Equinor’s fleet as the company is pushing towards green shipping and reducing emissions.

Equinor has a fleet of more than 150 ships working on the Norwegian continental shelf, including supply, anchor handling and standby vessels.

The company expects 14 newbuild vessels to join its fleet in 2020, mostly in the North Sea and two in Brazil.

Most Popular

Hanwha Ocean scores $1.26 billion order for LNG-powered containerships

Hanwha Ocean said on Thursday it will build six containerships with a capacity of 15,000 teu. The order is worth...

Chevron Australia says strike not expected to impact LNG production

The Offshore Alliance, which includes the Maritime Union of Australia and Australian Workers’ Union, said that its members working...

Vopak, Transnet moving forward with South African LNG terminal plans

In January, South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority appointed the two firms to build and operate the import facility at the...

More News Like This

Equinor says costs climb for Hammerfest LNG upgrade project

The project includes onshore compression and electrification of the Hammerfest LNG terminal. "Since the PDO (plan for development and operation)...

First LNG-powered LCO2 carrier nears delivery in China

The first of two Northern Lights JV’s LNG-powered liquefied CO2 carriers is undergoing trials in China ahead of its...

Eidesvik, Equinor to convert LNG-powered PSV to use ammonia as fuel

Norwegian energy firm Equinor has signed a contract with compatriot Eidesvik Offshore to convert the LNG dual-fuel PSV, Viking...

Eidesvik’s LNG-fueled PSV to continue work with Equinor

Norwegian shipping firm Eidesvik Offshore has secured a contract extension from compatriot energy firm Equinor for one of its...