TASNEEF to Class World’s 1st LNG-Powered Harbor Tug

TASNEEF, the first national classification society in UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City (DMC), aimed at providing classification services to the world’s first LNG-powered harbor tug carrying the trade mark “Elemarateyah”.

The tug will have a dual engine capable of operating with both traditional MDO & LNG and will represent a major breakthrough that would decide the future of green technology.

His Excellency Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World said that this collaboration represents a clear evidence of the effort exerted by Drydocks World to further upgrade the UAE standards and specifications in the naval and maritime sectors.

“Drydocks World is adopting a quality-based strategy; since quality is considered one of the most critical pillars in global competition, it is the reason behind our reputation in complying with strict quality control standards and regulations; thereby making quality the guarantee for unremitting international success to the extent that our name has become synonymous for superior quality and excellence,” added Buamim.

According to Eng. Rashid Al-Hebsi, CEO of TASNEEF, “TASNEEF’s priorities are the preservation of life and marine property, the protection of the marine environment through the issuance of norms and standards and applying them, and the issuance of confirming certificates. It also aims to obtain necessary local and regional recognition, and seeks to consolidate its position as one of the recognized authorities in the field of classification and certification.”

“We cannot achieve progress and accomplishments without our qualified UAE caliber who have expertise in classification, inspection and surveying of all types of vessels. At TASNEEF, we are determined to attract, educate, train and qualify the young Emiratis in the fields of mechanical, electrical and electronic and maritime architecture engineering, to enhance the domestic market and marine industries with such national experiences.”

 Saif Al-Rashidi, Fleet Support Manager at TASNEEF, said: “The environmental and economic advantages of using LNG as a marine propulsion fuel are immeasurable. Use of LNG will reduce emissions of NOx and CO2 by approximately 85% and 25% respectively. Our combined initiative with leaders in their respective fields aims to implement LNG technology at our yard and develop appropriate facilities thereby encouraging the commercial use of the technology.” 

Al-Rashidi then explained that the initial working stages for the harbor tug will start by approving the design, steel cut, installation, and then the fitting supervision before the delivery.

“All these stages will be carried out as per TASNEEF technical rules and in according to the international standards required by IMO also to the National requirement of UAE Flag administration. Also after delivery, TASNEEF will conduct periodical surveys to ensure that vessel, its components and machinery are in compliance of classification rules, International regulations and UAE flag statutory requirements,” he added.

Drydocks World has also entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Wartsila for building the world’s first LNG powered harbor tug.