On August 30th, the successful trial of china first LNG-powered cutter suction dredger, the Xinhaixun, which can handle up to 15,000 cubic meters, was completed. This vessel was constructed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC). The trial voyage not only effectively tested the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) but also represented a significant milestone in the vessel's journey toward delivery and operational readiness.
The trial showcased the vessel's capacity to operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner energy alternative that substantially lowers nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions by 90% and 20% respectively. The shift is part of a broader move toward sustainable practices in the dredging industry, traditionally known for its heavy environmental footprint.
Equipped with advanced technology that facilitates automated dredging operations and integrates dredging with navigational controls, the Xinhaixun represents a significant innovation in unmanned maritime operations, enhancing efficiency and safety standards. The trial rigorously tested various aspects of the vessel's performance, including the ability of the main and auxiliary engines to switch between fuel and gas, main engine durability in gas mode, dynamic positioning, controllable pitch propeller (CPP) maneuvering, and dredging and bow blowing in gas mode.
The successful completion of the trial underscores ZPMC’s commitment to pioneering green technology within the shipping sector. It also reflects China’s growing emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of its maritime operations, as evidenced by the Xinhaixun receiving the “Product Carbon Footprint Certificate” earlier this year, a testament to its environmental responsibility.