The world's first LNG-powered crane vessel, Van Oord's Werkendam, has been deployed for its first job. The vessel will carry out maintenance work in the port of Rotterdam.

The Werkendam is also the first Van Oord vessel to run entirely on LNG. With a storage tank on the aft deck, the Werkendam can store enough LNG to sail and operate for fourteen days without refuelling. Compared to a diesel-powered vessel, the Werkendam emits 80% less particulate matter and 70% less nitrogen. It also boasts a CO2 reduction of 25%.

Van Oord will deploy the crane vessel mainly on Dutch projects for its subsidiary Paans Van Oord. The Werkendam was co-financed by the European Union.

Electric Crane with Ultracaps

As well as running on LNG, the Werkendam has more sustainable innovations on board. For example, the electric crane is equipped with devices known as ultracaps, which recover energy when, for example, a load is released.

Operational Ships Taking the Lead

The Port of Rotterdam Authority, is pleased with this initial deployment: ‘We are encouraging the transition from fuel oil to LNG as a fuel for shipping. It is good that operational ships are taking the lead,’ says Ronald Paul, COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Picture: The Werkendam is both the world's first crane vessel running on LNG and the first in the Van Oord fleet to run on just LNG (by Van Oord).

Related News