Drydocks World has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finnish marine power source Wartsila and Dubai Maritime City to construct the world’s first LNG-powered harbour tugboat
The construction of the tugboat is part of the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, which was started by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president of the UAE.
The vessel will be built in Dubai’s Drydock World shipyard in Maritime City with an expected time period of 10 to 12 months. It will reduce nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions by 85 per cent and carbon dioxide emission by 25 per cent, according to Drydocks World.
Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, said, “Dubai is the gateway to green maritime products and services primarily due to its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, modern port facilities and shipyard services. Drydocks World and DMC have been pioneers in implementing green technologies at their facilities. We are considered leaders in environmental excellence in the maritime and oil and gas sectors by disseminating environment friendly technology and knowledge, promoting green values for sustainable maritime development and encouraging research and development.”
The tugboat will have a dual engine, capable of operating with traditional MDO and LNG. The vessel will be certified by UAE’s TASNEEF and the carbon efficiency programme will be overlooked by Dubai Carbon.
