LNG-Operated Survey Vessel Atair Floated Out

German Naval Yards Kiel, has floated out 'Atair', the world's first LNG fueled research vessel, after a building period of 16 months.

The 75 m vessel is being built for Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) by the general contractor is Fassmer Shipyard.

Hull and superstructure as well as parts of the outfitting were constructed at German Naval Yards Kiel. The survey vessel is planned to be used for wreck search and underwater surveying.

The LNG-propulsion - known as the future technology in the shipping industry - is a very innovative feature on “Atair”. The vessel” will use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) instead of usual Diesel, which is more climate-friendly than fuel. .

Harald Fassmer, Managing Director of Fassmer shipyard said: “The building of the vessel is very complex and large parts of outfitting works are still ahead of us.  Therefore I am glad that we have reached this milestone in time. The towing of the ship to FASSMER shipyard is scheduled for middle of March, where installation and finishing works in all trades will be continued seamlessly.”  

Jörg Herwig, Managing Director of German Naval Yards Kiel, added: “We are very proud that German Naval Yards Kiel has proven again its ability to build a complex and technically demanding vessel once more in due time and within budget. Especially if we consider the innovative side of the vessel, floating of the dock becomes a particularly emotional moment.”

Furthermore Herwig emphasizes the “extraordinary tight cooperation” with Fassmer. “We are pulling together in the same direction and this is for the benefit of the vessel’s quality.”  

After successful finishing of all trials the new building is planned to be delivered to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) in spring 2020.