Norwegian Minister of Transport and Communications Liv Signe Navarsete.
There are important environmental benefits to be gained from replacing oil fuel with gas: the emissions of CO2, NOx, SOX as well as particulate matters are significantly reduced. Historically, LNG has almost exclusively been used by big power plants and, to some extent, supplied to gas grids for domestic consumption in densely populated areas. We are now seeing an emerging market for the small-scale distribution of LNG in different parts of the world to new categories of consumers. One such example is the LNG-fuelled Fanafjord ferry operating on the west coast of Norway. This development is capturing the attention and interest of high-ranking politicians around the world, including Norwegian politicians, of course. Says Norwegian Minister of Transport and Communications Liv Signe Navarsete: “I’m pleased that the Norwegian shipping industry accepted the challenge to reduce their NOx and SOx emissions to virtually zero. The Ministry has specified new environmental requirements for ferry connections in Norway – especially for
those with a high volume and high frequency of departures. What we have done is to specify that new ferries must have zero NOx and SOx-emissions and then leave it up to the industry to find the technical solutions for complying with this.” The Fanafjord is one example of such solutions. In the bigger picture, Ms Navarsete is also quite satisfied that the five new LNGpropelled ferries of a similar size and design to the MF Bergensfjord, which she was the godmother of recently, reduce CO2 emissions by 20% compared to similar traditional diesel-fuelled ferries. In the global struggle to reduce CO2 emissions, this will assist Norway as a nation in reducing its emissions. “When considering new solutions, we closely examine the performance date, capacity, safety and effects on the environment. We welcome international agreements on carbon emission reductions, especially with regard to their environmental effects, and hope that Norway’s valuable experience and know-how can be exported to other nations,” she says.
Norwegian Minister of Transport and Communications Liv S. Navarsete is pleased that five new LNG-propelled ferries of a similar design to the MF Bergensfjord, of which she was the godmother, reduce CO2 emissions by 20% compared to similar traditional diesel-fuelled ferries.
The world’s smallest LNG carrier The DNV-classed LNG/C Pioneer Knutsen – the world’s smallest LNG carrier – has a cargo capacity of a mere 1,100 m3 in two 550 m3 tanks. The vessel is some 69 metres long and has a deadweight of only 640 tons; tailor-made to fit the needs of the charterer Gasnor when it comes to small-scale local distribution of LNG along the Norwegian west coast. “Maybe the vessel is a bit over-specified, but it gives almost extreme manoeuvrability that not many vessels can match,” says Jarle Østenstad of Knutsen OAS Shipping in Haugesund, Norway – the vessel’s owner. “Safety and reliability are of fundamental importance to our company in general, and for this trade in particular,” he adds. The Pioneer Knutsen made more than 100 cargo voyages and had some 300 port calls in 2006 and never needed a tug. Being independent of tug assistance is, of course, of great importance when frequent port calls are to be made. “Many of the terminals the vessel visits are unmanned, so our crew literally jump
ashore with a rope and fix the vessel in the proper position before discharging the LNG to the customer. As there is no backup LNG distribution system, we and Gasnor rely heavily on the performance of the vessel and crew. Our experience with the vessel has been very good to date,” Mr Østenstad says, concluding: “The Norwegian government is now introducing a NOx charge for coastal shipping in Norway and a vessel like our little LNG carrier will of course emit very little NOx. We see that as an incentive for coastal shipping to continue to focus on LNG fuel.” LNG being discharged from the Pioneer Knutsen to a truck for further distribution.
DNV Forum no 01 2007
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