What's Happening?
Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract valued at over $31 million to design and equip four new methanol- and ethanol-ready handy-size product tankers for Petrobras Transporte (Transpetro). The vessels will be constructed by Consórcio Marenova, a collaboration between Ecovix in Rio Grande and MacLaren in Niterói, and will be operated by Transpetro. The contract includes the delivery of complete ship designs and a range of integrated systems such as propulsion systems with Promas and controllable pitch propellers, deck machinery, tank gauging systems, and navigation and automation solutions like K-Bridge, K-Chief, K-Gauge, and K-Load. The tankers, part of Kongsberg Maritime's NVC family of merchant vessel designs, are developed with adaptability
for future fuels. The vessels will measure 150.6 meters in length, with a breadth of 23.4 meters, a design draught of 8.2 meters, and a deadweight of approximately 15,600 tonnes.
Why It's Important?
This contract highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance the sustainability of maritime operations. By equipping these tankers with advanced technology and future-fuel readiness, Kongsberg Maritime and Transpetro are setting a precedent for innovation and environmental responsibility in the shipping industry. The project also signifies a boost to the Brazilian shipbuilding sector, potentially revitalizing local industry and creating jobs. The collaboration between Ecovix and MacLaren under the MareNova consortium underscores the strategic importance of partnerships in achieving industrial and environmental goals. This development could influence other maritime operators to adopt similar technologies, promoting a broader shift towards sustainable shipping practices.
What's Next?
As the construction of these tankers progresses, stakeholders will likely monitor the project's impact on the Brazilian shipbuilding industry and its contribution to sustainable maritime practices. The successful implementation of these technologies could lead to further contracts and collaborations, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the project may prompt regulatory bodies to consider new standards for future-fuel-ready vessels, influencing policy and industry standards. The completion of these tankers will also be a critical milestone for Transpetro as it seeks to renew its fleet with environmentally friendly options.
