Rolls-Royce Powers the World’s Longest Journey by LNG at Sea

Rolls-Royce recently announced that Nor Lines’ Kvitbjørn, propelled by Rolls-Royce engines, became the world’s first vessel to operate between Asia and Europe solely on LNG as the ship’s bunker fuel.

The ship sailed to Norway from Tsuji Heavy Industries shipyard in Jiangsu, China, via Singapore, and subsequent LNG bunkerings in India and Spain. It was the longest voyage ever undertaken by a vessel running solely on LNG.

“The success of the voyage from Asia to Europe on LNG provides evidence to owners of larger tonnage that LNG is not just for short sea coastal ships,” said Tor Arne Borge, Nor Lines CEO said. “The Environship concept with the Bergen engine has exceeded all our expectations.”

The Environship, which can be adapted for different ship types, incorporates a range of Rolls-Royce technologies. These include a Bergen engine powered by LNG, the Promas combined rudder and propeller, a hybrid shaft generator to optimize use of electrical power and a wave-piercing hull design. The combined technologies can reduces CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent compared to similar diesel powered vessels, dependent on operational profile.

Kvitbjørn is about to enter operation delivering cargo in ports between Hamburg, the Netherlands, and the Norwegian mainland’s most Northern city, Hammerfest. Nor Lines expects to take delivery of sister ship Kvitnos in June.