Tom Barlow-BrownKongsberg Maritime has secured a new contract from Danish operator Tärntank to design and equip its eleventh hybrid chemical tanker, featuring advanced wind-assist technology.
The new contract is part of Tärntank’s ongoing initiative to enhance the sustainability of its fleet, bringing the total number of vessels ordered to 11, with the latest five incorporating wind-assist features.
‘This latest contract for our fuel-efficient and low-emission tanker design reaffirms the commitment of forward-thinking ship owners to integrating sustainable technologies into their fleets,’ said Rune Ekornesvåg, Kongsberg Maritime’s Sales Director for Ship Design, highlighting the significance of the contract. ‘The vessels will feature our Promas propulsion system, which delivers fuel savings of over 6% compared to other systems. Additionally, the ships will utilise battery-powered hybrid propulsion, enhancing operational flexibility and minimising environmental impact.’
The 15,000-deadweight tonnage (dwt) tankers will be outfitted with a range of Kongsberg Maritime technologies aimed at energy conservation and emission reduction. These hybrid vessels can operate on diesel, biofuel, or methanol and include Tärntank’s proprietary battery-powered Hybrid Solution. The wind-assist technology, which will be installed on the latest five vessels, is expected to cut emissions by up to 19%.
Claes Möller, CEO of Tärntank, emphasised the importance of the partnership and its impact on future operations. He stated: ‘This combination of a good design and innovative systems installed to a newbuild vessel will reduce the carbon footprint of maritime operations beyond the regulatory requirements.’
Möller added that the accomplishment is due to the cooperation between Kongsberg Maritime, China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou), and Tärntank. Tärntank’s customers, include NEOT/ST1, NESTE, ESSO/EXXON, and PREEM, are all aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains. As a result, they will likely welcome the new design, according to Möller.
Kongsberg Maritime is seeing increased demand for sustainable technologies in the shipping industry. The company is exploring future fuel types such as methanol, ammonia, and biofuels, particularly for long-range vessels, to position itself as a leader in low-emission and sustainable maritime solutions.
‘As companies such as Tärntank pursue environmentally efficient shipping, we are committed to facilitating this transition,’ Ekornesvåg added. ‘Our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and future emissions standards positions us to shape the maritime industry’s future.’
The new order brings the total number of ships in this design series to thirteen, with 11 from Tärntank and two similar vessels (without suction sails) for Swedish operator Sirius Redri AB. The latest batch of tankers for Tärntank is currently under construction at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Yangzhou, with the first delivery expected in 2025. The design concept, featuring wind-assist technology, won the prestigious Nor-Shipping Next Generation Ship Award in 2023.
Kongsberg Maritime’s research into sustainable practices is an example of the ongoing shift in the sector towards reducing the environmental impact of shipping as companies adapt to meet a growing set of new regulations.
Image: Kongsberg
Ian Taylor
