VESSEL REVIEW | Fure Vesborg & Fure Viken – Ice-class dual-fuel tankers delivered to Furetank and Algoma joint venture

FureBear, a 50-50 joint venture formed by Canadian dry bulk shipping company Algoma Central Corporation and Swedish tanker operator Furetank Rederi, has taken delivery of two new product tankers built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard as part of a planned series of ten.

Designed by Sweden’s FKAB Marine Design in compliance with Bureau Veritas class rules, the 18,000DWT Fure Vesborg and Fure Viken are each powered by dual-fuel engines capable of running on either LNG or liquefied biogas (LBG). The ships also boast battery hybrid solutions.

Year-round operation and efficient propulsion setup

The new tankers each have Finnish/Swedish ice class 1A notation, a hull form that ensures safe navigation even in harsh weather, an LOA of 149.9 metres (491.8 feet), a beam of 22.8 metres (74.8 feet), a draught of 9.36 metres (30.7 feet), and a total cargo capacity of 20,306 cubic metres (717,100 cubic feet). A shore power connection will ensure continuous electrical supply while berthed without having to rely on the onboard generators.

Each vessel has 12 cargo tanks, of which one is dedicated for slop. Propulsion is provided by a medium speed dual fuel engine with a gearbox with PTI/PTO and a shaft generator coupled to a controllable-pitch propeller, which is housed in a nozzle to deliver approximately 25 per cent more thrust in addition to generating less underwater noise.

The main engine and shaft generator use variable frequency, making it possible to run the propeller at variable speed with the shaft generator connected. This enables achieving the optimal balance between propeller rotation and engine power at any given vessel speed. Propeller efficiency will thus be optimised and fuel consumption will be reduced by 20 per cent.

To conserve fuel, the shaft generator is configured to run on a range of rpm settings to permit optimum propeller rpm at various speeds. Active load curve and pitch allows the crew to optimise the propeller rpm and pitch depending on cargo condition.

Designed to minimise environmental impact

A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is installed to help reduce the NOx emissions of the auxiliary engines, while an inert gas generator can run on LNG. A fuel gas supply system (FGSS) eliminates methane slip as all vents from the system are connected to tanks. The steam boilers are capable of recovering exhaust heat from the main and auxiliary engines.

The ballast water treatment system utilises UV light as an environment-friendly alternative to chemical additives. The antifouling system uses ultrasonic sound waves to deter organisms from growing inside the box coolers.

All systems containing oil that could leak into the sea are filled with biodegradable oils for reduced environmental impact.

The use of LED lighting has been maximised, and electric cargo pumps are fitted to lower power consumption and reduce noise while in port. For added safety, the anchors are configured to enable them to be released remotely from the bridge.

The engine room features ventilation fans that are automatically controlled to minimise energy consumption. The electrical system has a battery as backup to ensure continued operation in the event of a power blackout.

The crew cabins have been designed to maximise space and ensure accommodation of the highest standard. The other onboard facilities include a gym with sauna.

Part of a growing fleet to serve Northern European market

The other ships in the series are scheduled to be delivered to FureBear by early 2027. The ships will be homeported in Gothenburg and operated in sulphur emission control areas in the North Sea and Scandinavia, transporting biofuels and renewable feedstocks as part of the Gotha Tanker Alliance.

The tankers’ design also permits operation along the St Lawrence Seaway that passes through Canada and the United States.