Built for Maju Maritime (which is merged operationally with Keppel Smit Towage) and named Maju Loyalty, the vessel was completed on time, within budget and with a perfect safety record.
Abu Bakar, Managing Director (Gas & Specialised vessels) of Keppel O&M, said, "Leveraging our newbuild experience and capabilities in LNG, we were able to ensure the smooth execution and timely delivery of this project. This is the second dual-fuel tug built by Keppel O&M, and furthers our track record in the design and construction of cost and energy efficient LNG-fuelled vessels. The award-winning tug design is part of a suite of solutions that Keppel O&M can provide as the industry increasingly adopts LNG as a marine fuel."
The delivery of Maju Loyalty follows the completion of South East Asia and Singapore's first LNG-fuelled tug, KST Liberty, in May 2018 by Keppel O&M. Built to Keppel's award-winning proprietary design, both tugs offer economical operations, efficient fuel consumption, a simplified bunkering process and smart designs which enhance safety and comfort. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore had provided co-funding of up to S$2 million for each tug as part of its LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme (LBPP) grant.
Romi Kaushal, Managing Director of Maju Maritime and Keppel Smit Towage added, "This dual-fuel tug is a welcome addition to our fleet of tugboats as we look to do our part in reducing carbon dioxide & sulfur oxide emissions. It is a step in the right direction as the industry adjusts to the International Maritime Organisation's global cap of 0.5% on the sulfur content of marine fuel. This project is a testament to Keppel's innovation and reliability, and we look forward to furthering this partnership."
The dual-fuel tug is equipped with containerised, type-C ISO-certified LNG tanks on the main deck, as well as a patented LNG vapouriser which is compact and cost-effective. Re-fuelling of the LNG tanks can be done by truck to ship operations or replacing the empty tanks with replenished ones.
FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel O&M and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd., will be providing the LNG bunkering services for Maju Loyalty, while Shell will be supplying the LNG fuel.
