Covid-19 continues to drive digitalisation in the maritime sector. NYSE-listed Flex LNG Ltd reported that it conducted the first remote Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) programme inspection for the LNG carrier Flex Endeavour while the vessel was discharging its cargo at Aqaba, Jordan
The inspection was carried out on 10 and 11 September. SIRE was established by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) in 1993 as a unique risk assessment tool for the parties concerned with ship safety.
“With Covid-19 lockdowns it has become more difficult to carry out these regular inspections, but we are pleased we are finding new ways to ensure safety at sea,” said Flex LNG in a social media post.
Built in 2018 by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), Flex Endeavour has a capacity of 173,400 m3, with dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-GI propulsion.
Flex LNG has 10 LNG carriers in operation on fixed-hire time charters, carriable hire time charters or on the spot market. Flex Endeavour is one of three of the company’s vessel operating on the spot market. Flex LNG also has four vessels under construction, Flex Amber, Flex Freedom, Flex Volunteer and Flex Vigilant. Flex Amber, under construction at South Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) for delivery in Q4 2020, has a capacity of 174,000 m3, with WinGD X-DF Otto-cycle, low-pressure, dual-fuel propulsion. Sister vessels Flex Volunteer and Flex Vigilant are also under construction at HSHI, with expected deliveries of Q1 2021 and Q2 2021, respectively.
Flex Freedom, with a capacity of 173,400 m3 and ME-GI propulsion, will be delivered by DSME in Q4 2020.
In August 2020, Flex LNG took delivery of Flex Artemis which immediately commenced its long-term time charter with Clearlake Shipping Pte, a subsidiary of the Gunvor Group. The charter has a firm period of five years, with the charterer’s option to extend the charter period for an additional five years, in 12-month periods. The time charter has elements of a variable rate of hire.
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