Van Oord has ordered the construction of a new crane vessel which will be their first LNG-powered vessel. The vessel will be named Werkendam and will generally be deployed to Netherlands-based projects.
The Werkendam is being built by Neptune in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, the Netherlands. It will take about twelve months to build the crane vessel. After completion, the vessel will be able to run on LNG, with gas oil as backup. With a 38 square metre tank on the aft deck, the Werkendam will be able to store enough LNG on board to sail and operate for 14 days without bunkering LNG.
Jaap de Jong, staff director of the Ship Management Department at Van Oord: ‘Energy efficiency is one of the top items on our sustainability agenda. To reduce our carbon footprint, we are researching the use of alternative fuels, such as LNG and biofuel. With this investment, we will be gaining experience of LNG-powered vessels and the related benefits.’
Due to smart features, the vessel will use less fuel and emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) without compromising operational production. The Werkendam will be equipped with various sensors and energy storage systems. The sensors will monitor the energy consumption of almost all of the equipment and systems on board, which will even make it possible to store and reuse overcapacity, for example when operating the crane. The data produced by these monitoring systems will provide crew members with an insight into energy consumption, enabling them to respond appropriately.
