The first vessel of the new ECO STAR 36k t[ds_preview]ype, »GasChem Beluga«, was delivered to the owner Ocean Yield ASA. The design was developed under the lead of German ship owner Hartmann Reederei together with its long-term partners HB Hunte Engineering for the ship design and AC Inox delivering gas plant and equipment.
According to the designers the hull design is unique and highly efficient: The vessel’s superstructures are located at the bow, the engine at the stern, resulting in a favourable distribution of weight and a significant reduction of ballast water. In combination with the new »Svelte« bow design invented by Hartmann, this hull type leads to reduced, more efficient fuel consumption, it is said.
The new generation emi-refrigerated Etyhlene/Ethane- (-104 deg C) carrier can transport 36,000 cbm of ethane, using the »Star Tilobe« cargo tank design.
Newbuilding programme cut down to size
The first Eco Star 36k Carrier was launched on in May 2016 at Dayang Shipbilding. »GasChem Beluga« was initially planned to be utilized with two sister vessels, »GasChem Narwhal« and »GasChem Orca« under a long-term time charter to Saudi SABIC Petrochemicals for the transportation of Ethane between Houston and Tees.
A few weeks ago, Ocean Yield had stated that the third vessel of the series had been cancelled in agreement with SABIC and Hartmann. Ocean Yield plans to invest the 16.2 mill. $ prepayment in other projects.
First ever 2-stroke engine operating on ethane and LNG
The MAN main engine is capable to burn gas and traditional fuel alike. It is also the first ever 2-stroke engine operating on ethane and LNG with negligible methane slip ? due to the diesel principle. As this technology reduces emissions considerably, it will enable the vessels of the ECO STAR type to meet future requirements on emission control, Hartmann says.
»We are very happy to see the first vessel of this new design hitting the water with only a month delay«, says Jan-Lars Kruse, Managing Director of Hartmann Reederei. »It is a remarkable achievement in these challenging times and we are very grateful to all our partners and friends involved in this project. Every party involved pushed this project into the same direction and we could not have done it without each other.«
