World's first LNG-fueled cargo vessel starts testing

The world's first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled carrier has started testing waters in the port city of Zhangjiagang in east China's Jiangsu Province, according to Chinese ship builder Tsuji Heavy Industries (Jiangsu) Shipyard.

The 5,000 dwt ocean-going cargo vessel is expected to be delivered to Nor Lines AS, a Norwegian logistics and shipping company, in June.

It is one of two LNG-fueled vessels ordered by Nor Lines. The shipyard did not say when the second ship will be produced.

Compared to traditional diesel fuel, the use of natural gas-fueled engines can significantly reduce pollution from sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and CO2 in emissions.

The ship's design was developed by Rolls-Royce Maritime using the group's award-winning "Environmental Ship Concept," which won the "Next Generation Award" at the Nor-Shipping Awards in 2011.