Ferus Smit to build LNG fueled coastal tankers for Thun

OCTOBER 16, 2016 — Dutch shipbuilder Scheepswerf Ferus Smit B.V. reports that it is to build four LNG-fueled coastal oil/chemical tankers for Sweden’s Erik Thun A.B.’s Thun Tankers.

The shipyard has built more than thirty vessels for the Erik Thun group. over the years and says that the design will be a completely revised and updated version of an existing design that has proven itself over the years as a benchmark in the coastal tanker market.

The focus for improvements will be to further optimize energy efficiency and ecological footprint, with LNG as an optional fuel.

Both shipowner and shipyard have recently gained valuable experience with LNG through the succesful delivery and operation of the LNG fueled cement carriers Greenland and Ireland.

The 7,999 dwt coastal tankers will have nine coated cargo tanks with a total 9,700 cu.m capacity. Main dimensions will be 115 m LOA, 15.9 m beam and 6.95 m draft.

They will be built to Ice class 1A, suitable for for year-round Baltic service.

Thun Tankers says that customers’ needs have been key in developing the new vessels and that the intention is to offer sister-ships where the use of LNG as a fuel is a possibility, depending our clients’ requests.

“We in Erik Thun have always had a high focus on resource efficiency that translates into modern environmental care. We are convinced that these vessels will contribute to provide the best logistical and most environmental friendly transport solution to our customers,” says Anders Källsson, CEO, Erik Thun AB.

“We always strive to meet our customers’ various demands with sustainable solutions. With this order we intend to further extend that offer by building a series of identical sister ships where some uses LNG as a fuel and others don’t,” says Johan Källsson, Deputy Managing Director, Erik Thun AB