Massive newbuild programme enhances efficiency of Norwegian owner’s LNG fleet

Knutsen OAS Shipping has taken delivery of Santander Knutsen, part of a massive, ongoing US$2.8Bn, 15-vessel newbuilding programme that will see the Norwegian shipowner double its fleet to 30 LNG carriers by 2025.

The 174,000-m³ LNG carrier was delivered by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) and has been fixed under long-term charter to the Anglo-Dutch energy giant Shell.

Knutsen held a naming ceremony in June at the South Korean shipyard for the vessel and three other LNG sister vessels, Huelva Knutsen, Ferrol Knutsen, and Extremadura Knutsen.

Shell signed a charter deal for the NIS-flagged Santander Knutsen and three other Knutsen LNG carrier newbuilds, along with two from Korea Line and Global Meridian Holdings in 2019. All eight LNG newbuilds were contracted with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HSHI.

HHI COO and senior vice president SY Park noted the collaboration, saying: “This project is unique in the sense that its success depends on strong and close partnership among multiple parties.”

Knutsen OAS Shipping owner Trygve Seglem said the contract would ensure the company provides Shell with “state-of-the-art transportation services with safe, efficient, and lower-emission LNG carriers.”

New-generation LNG carriers are far more efficient than previous steam turbine-driven vessels. With reduced fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, they easily comply with forthcoming international regulations, Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII).

“New-generation LNG carriers are far more efficient than previous steam turbine-driven vessels”

Shell said improvements in ship hull and machinery design, and the introduction of digital performance management systems, has resulted in a 50% reduction in carbon emissions compared to a 2008 steam turbine LNG carrier. Additionally, an HHI-developed Hi-ALS air-lubrication system is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 6%, according to HSHI.

Santander Knutsen was built to Lloyd’s Register class, with an overall length of 298.97 m, beam of 46.4 m, depth of 26.3m, design draught of 12.52 m and GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane cargo containment technology. To maximise propulsion and energy efficiency, the LNG carrier has WinGD low-pressure, Otto-cycle, two-stroke dual-fuel X-DF engines, boil-off management plants, an air-lubrication system and shaft generators for auxiliary power.

Finnish maritime technology plays a central role in the LNG carrier’s energy efficiency. Santander Knutsen is equipped with direct drive permanent magnet shaft generators, variable-speed frequency drives and a dedicated power management system, supplied by WE Tech. The economical operations solution supplies the LNG carrier’s electrical power distribution from shaft generators, allowing the auxiliary generators to be stopped to cut fuel consumption.

In March, Finnish technology provider Wärtsilä signed a five-year service agreement with Knutsen covering the reliquefaction plants for the LNG carriers, which are designed to optimise day-to-day operational performance. This will be underpinned by Wärtsilä’s digital Operim (Operational Performance Improvement & Monitoring) system. This provides real-time data on Wärtsilä’s onboard equipment, enabling management and control to deliver cost savings and more efficient operations. Wärtsilä will also provide technical support, as well as servicing and spare parts support.