Astilleros Espanoles' Puerto Real Yard Preps Shuttle Tanker For Delivery

Knutsen-owned vessel reportedly first diesel-electric-propelled shuttle tanker to be built and delivered Aunique diesel-electric-propelled shuttle tanker, being built for Norwegian ship owner Knutsen, was recently floated out at Astilleros Espanoles' Puerto Real yard.

The vessel incorporates a host of technologically advanced equipment and systems, including Sulzer main generators driving engines, an ABB main propulsion electric motor, Saab cargo tank level indicators and Sigma coatings (please see "Equipment List" on this page for full details).

The vessel, to be called the Hanne Knutsen, was contracted for with Astilleros Espanoles in 1992, and is scheduled for delivery this December, two months ahead of schedule. The original contract called for two shuttle tankers with an option for a third.

The Hanne Knutsen has a length overall of 869 ft. (265 m), with a 139-ft. (42.5-m) molded breadth and a 50.8-ft. (15.5-m) molded summer draft.

The Power Classed by DNV, the ship's propulsion motor is an electric, ABB reversible type, with a continuous speed rating, by means of cycloconverters, of 19,000 kW at 98 rpm, which allowed the vessel to reach a speed of 15.3 knots during trials. As the vessel will be required to operate in special conditions which will include significant waves, it is outfitted with five thrusters (three bow, two aft) rated at 1,750 kW each, as well as a DPS and active rudder.

The main generating plant on the Hanne Knutsen is comprised of four diesel generator sets of 6,275 kW at 6,600 V each, and two transformers of 6,600/440 V. It also features a 1,200-kW port diesel generator and one emergency diesel generator set.

Both the main generating plant and the auxiliary engines, the electrical arrangement, the motor and its control systems have been designed to the Electrical Redundancy Propulsion (ERP) standard of DNV. There are double independent spaces for each pair of main diesel generators, main electrical and cycloconverters, switchboards, purifiers, etc. The ship also features a centralized fresh water cooling system for the main diesel engines, as well as for the main alternators, auxiliary systems and electric motors of the thrusters. Sea water cooling circuit pipes are made of copper-nickel.

I h « Loading System In addition to the conventional loading systems, the vessel is equipped with two "offshore" loading systems: one for articulated loading turrets (APC) and buoys (OLS); and a submerged turret loading system (STL). TheHanne Knutsen is reportedly the first newbuilding incorporating both systems.

The loading systems and tank arrangements are designed to handle crude oils with low vapor tensions in two segregations.

Four transversal collectors have been installed in the cargo manifold for crude oil, and two others to send the cargo vapors to shore. Inert gas is generated and purified in a Flexinert plant with the vapors coming from the main diesel generators.

The ship features a sophisticated integrated control system redundantly computerized with process stations and a local area network (LAN) with control stations in the engine room, cargo control and wheelhouse.

The automation system in the engine room is designed to be operated without personnel, and the automation in the wheelhouse is designed to be operated by one person.

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