The second of two next-generation LNG carriers designed to transport LNG from the US to Japan for Mitsui & Co was named at a ceremony at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co, part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Named Marvel Heron, the 177,000-m3 LNG carrier will transport LNG from Cameron LNG in Hackberry, Louisiana to Japan, following its delivery in September.
Cameron LNG is jointly owned by Mitsui & Co, Total, Sempra LNG and Japan LNG Investment, a joint venture of Mitsubishi Corp and NYK. Sempra LNG owns 50.2% of Cameron LNG. Cameron LNG’s Train 1 began commercial operations at the end of August under tolling agreements to export LNG to customers in the global market. Train 1 has a nameplate capacity of 4 mta.
Marvel Heron, the sister ship to Marvel Crane delivered in February, has a length overall of 297.5 m, beam of 48.9 m, depth of 27.5 m, and draught of 11.4 m. To gain significant improvements in LNG carrying capacity and lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Marvel Heron is designed with an efficient hull structure that maximises cargo capacity and incorporates a hybrid propulsion system.
Called STaGE, the hybrid propulsion system consists of MHI’s proprietary high-efficiency reheat ultra-steam turbine (UST), a dual-fuel diesel engine that burns either LNG or marine gas oil, and propulsion electronic motor. Using waste heat from the engines to drive the UST results in significantly enhanced plant efficiency, enabling efficient navigation at all speeds, high to low.
Like its sister vessel Marvel Crane, Marvel Heron has apple-shaped tanks refined from Moss-type spherical tanks which increases LNG carrying capacity without increasing the ship’s beam, allowing it to transit the expanded Panama Canal. Despite having the same beam as an LNG carrier with a carrying capacity of 155,000 m3, Marvel Heron can carry 177,000 m3 of LNG at 100% capacity.
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