Containerships First LNG-Fueled Newbuild Launched

Containerships The first of four LNG-fueled container vessels being built for Finnish shipping company Containerships has been launched at Wenchong Shipyard in China.  The launching ceremony the 1,368 TEU Containerships Nord was held on November 4. The shipbuilding work of the first vessel continues now on an outfitting pier where interior, such as piping, cabling, smaller machinery and furnishings of the vessel will be installed. The main engine factory acceptance was completed in September and the LNG tanks have been accepted and are ready to be installed at the shipyard, the company said. The launching of the first LNG-powered vessel was followed by the keel laying of the second vessel, which is now under construction. The block production for the second vessel is nearly completed and 148 blocks have been accepted. The main engine testing is planned for the end of November, according to Containerships. As informed, the steel for the third vessel was cut in May and for the fourth vessel in September. In 2018, Containerships will have the total of four new LNG-fueled vessels in operation in the Baltics and North Sea. The first vessel is expected to start sailing during the first half of 2018, depending on the completion of sea trials. As of November, the companys fleet comprises a total of thirteen ships.