LNG-powered cement carrier ‘Ireland’ delivered

Ferus Smit has delivered a second LNG-powered cement tanker, the ‘Ireland’ to its owners.

The delivery was immediately preceded by sea trials and once the delivery ceremony was completed the ‘Ireland’ left the harbour of Delfzijl on its first commercial voyage.

‘Ireland’ is the second dedicated cement carrier in a series of two built for the joint venture between Erik Thun and KG Jebsen Cement from Norway called JT Cement.

The ‘Ireland’s’ design incorporates a pressurised LNG tank positioned in the foreship. According to Ferus, the vessels are the first ever dry cargo vessels with an LNG-fuelled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull.

The cement cargo system consists of a cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidisation of cement by means of compressed air. The cement can be loaded and unloaded fully enclosed through pipes.