FERGUSON Marine, Port Glasgow, has completed the process of bunkering liquefied natural gas (LNG) on to ferry MV Glen Sannox, marking a first for shipbuilding in the UK.
It followed four-and-a-half days of cooling the LNG tank to the required temperature of minus 146 degrees using liquefied nitrogen.
However challenges surrounding the process have delayed delivery of the vessel again.
Andrew Milligan, head of engineering at Ferguson Marine, said: “The successful LNG bunkering is a highly significant milestone as it’s the first time it has ever been done in the UK.
“It was a complicated process which required significant safety protocols to be put in place. We experienced some unexpected challenges around this process and, unfortunately it has had a knock-on effect to the handover schedule. I’m personally very disappointed about that.
“However, it is important to recognise the significance of what we have achieved. Glen Sannox is a first-in-class vessel, and we are breaking new ground in shipbuilding with this LNG fuel technology. The ability to adapt, learn from, and successfully deal with these challenges demonstrates the hard work being done by everyone at FMPG.
“I wish to extend my thanks to everyone at the yard and our colleagues at Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and CalMac for all their hard work in achieving this major step as we push towards delivering MV Glen Sannox.”
Load testing will take place next, which involves switching all engines on to ensure they are operating efficiently and to establish the vessel’s propulsion set capabilities.
All systems will undergo rigorous testing quayside before the CalMac vessel goes out to sea for several days from Friday (20 September), to evaluate the vessel’s manoeuvrability, acceleration and speed. Owner’s trials will follow.
