Utkilen upgrades 2019-built chemical tanker to operate on LNG

Norwegian shipping company Utkilen has upgraded its 10,500 dwt chemical tanker Mostraum to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of its sustainability commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and invest in a greener future for its fleet.

Built in 2019 by AVIC Dingheng in China, Mostraum has been upgraded to run on LNG as well as marine gas oil (MGO).

The vessel, featuring stainless steel cargo tanks, was designed to be prepared for dual fuel, with an LNG-ready engine. It is also prepared for battery pack installation.

According to Utkilen, the LNG upgrade is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 15% and eliminate up to 99% of SOx emissions. NOx emissions are expected to be reduced by up to 85% and particulate matter (PM) by approximately 90% compared to MGO.

In addition to Mostraum, Utkilen will retrofit three more vessels in its fleet to operate on LNG in 2025.

With LNG as one of the key elements in its decarbonization strategy, Utkilen recently also launched its LNG dual-fuel newbuild, Listraum, at İçdaş shipyard in Turkey.

Listraum is one of four 6,700 dwt chemical tankers Utkilen has on order at the Turkish shipyard. The vessels will be delivered from 2024 onwards to operate in the Baltics and the North Sea.

The four ships will be equipped with multifuel engines, optimized hull shape, and battery and shore power connections as part of Utkilen’s strategy to meet decarbonization goals.