Rolls-Royce, Drydocks World to Cooperate on LNG Tugs

Rolls-Royce plc has signed a memorandum of understanding with Drydocks World Dubai to provide systems for Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) powered tugs for the Middle East market.

The tugs, to be designed by the Drydocks World in-house design team, will incorporate a range of power and propulsion equipment from Rolls-Royce, including Bergen medium speed gas engines

The memorandum of understanding was recently signed by Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World, and Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, President – Merchant, in Dubai.

Rolls-Royce is a leader in the development of LNG technology for the marine industry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year approved for sale in the U.S. market the latest state-of-the art ECA Tier 3 compliant Rolls-Royce [Bergen C26:33] marine gas engines, which are ideal for tug propulsion. They are designed to improve fuel efficiency, dramatically cut harmful methane emissions and meet strict international environmental standards set to take effect in 2016.

The EPA Certificate of Conformity has been issued for the C-engine range from Rolls-Royce, whose engines are already in operation on several car and coastal ferries. The world’s first LNG powered cargo ship, also powered by Rolls-Royce, entered service in Norway last year.