requires about 1.8 times more volume than
It was announced in February 2012 that
ment is an important “flagship” for the
MDO. When adding the tank insulation,
AGA Gas AB will supply LNG for Viking
shipping industry and a cleaner Baltic Sea.
noting the maximum filling ratio of 95 %,
Line’s new passenger ferry, whose envi-
The first-ever LNG fuel ferry, howev-
the required volume is increased to about
ronmental profile symbolises a new era in
er, is to be found in Norway. Already in Jan-
2.3 times.
the shipping industry.
uary 2000, Glutra, the first roro/passenger
The practical space required in the
“Viking Line’s and AGA’s investment
ferry in the world to be powered by LNG
ship becomes about four times higher
in LNG represents major environmental ad-
entered into service. Still, Glutra’s range
when taking into account the squared
vantages compared to traditional maritime
is rather limited since it operates across a
space around the cylindrical LNG tank.
fuel,” says Mikael Backman, President and
small fjord with each crossing taking about
If compared with an MDO tank located
CEO of Viking Line.
15 minutes. Nevertheless, the introduction
difference is smaller, about 3.0.
The liquefied gas will be stored in
of Glutra proved to be an important mile-
specially built tanks at the rear of the ves-
stone for the development of LNG pow-
sel and will have a temperature of about
above a double bottom, the total volume
ered ships.
VIKING GRACE LEADS THE WAY
–150 degrees Celsius when it is bunkered
In Finland, the most high-profile LNG pro-
and stored on board.
ject at the moment is M/S Viking Grace.
12
seatec 2/2012
Backman comments that the invest-
SAMI J. ANTEROINEN