In addition to refueling the ship with the new fuel LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), the technical testing also includes commissioning the new machinery for the first time. “It’s always an exciting moment,” reveals AG “EMS” inspector Claus Hirsch. All components of the new propulsion system from the gas tank, generators, the electric traction motors, the Azignel propellers and the auxiliary units are installed in the newly built aft ship. “The fine-tuning can now take place in the interaction of the individual components,” says Hirsch. Captain Dirk Saathoff is also very pleased: “The sailing characteristics and maneuverability of the 15 meter longer ship are very good.”
As on MV “Ostfriesland”, a type C liquid gas tank was also used here, i.e. the containers consist of an inner tank and another outer one, which is used for protection. In between, vacuum insulation ensures that the ambient conditions remain constant, because the liquid gas is stored in the tank at -162 ° C and 5 bar pressure. The size of the built-in special tank is new, because unlike the MS “Ostfriesland”, where there is a geometric volume of 45 m³, the tank of the MS “Münsterland” holds 53 m³. The larger volume was made possible by an enlarged inner diameter of the inner tank and improved insulation and thus a smaller layer width. “The GVUs, i.e. the gas valve units, could now be accommodated in the tank installation room, so that this space in the engine room has become free,” explains AG “EMS” project manager Michael Baumfalk.
MS “Münsterland” will be the third ship in the AG “EMS” group that will run on the environmentally friendly liquid gas. LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas, a gas that consists of methane and is cooled down to minus 162 ° C. LNG allows nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides to be reduced by 90% and 95%, as well as carbon dioxide by 20% and fine dust to be avoided almost completely. “We have been referred to as first movers across the EU and we want to stay that way. This includes not only being the first to rely on LNG, but also consistently developing and pursuing it, ”says AG“ EMS ”board member Dr. Bernhard Brons.
MS “Münsterland” is expected to return towards the end of January and will operate again on the Eemshaven – Borkum route in the future. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of the implementation of the Federal Government’s Mobility and Fuel Strategy. The funding measure is coordinated by NOW GmbH.
Source: AG EMS
