Rasheeda opens new chapter in LNGC propulsion

摘要

The pilot project to convert the first of the Nakilat fleet of 45 Q-flex and Q-max diesel-powered LNG carriers to dual-fuel running is proceeding well. Much of the preparatory work in advance of the ship's visit to the repair yard next summer for outfitting is now complete. The ship chosen for the conversion is the 266,000m~3 Rasheeda, a GTT Mark Ⅲ membrane tank Q-max vessel completed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in August 2010. The fact that the LNG carrier is due for its five-year drydocking and ABS class renewal survey next summer made it the ideal candidate to be the pioneering conversion. The results from the project will help Nakilat, along with Qatargas and RasGas as the charterers of the Q-flex and Q-max ships, decide on the viability of pressing ahead with further, similar propulsion system conversions. The Rasheeda conversion project was launched in January 2014 when an agreement was signed between Nakilat, Qatargas and RasGas on the one hand and MAN Diesel & Turbo (MDT), the manufacturer of the vessel's existing engines, on the other.