Page 42: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (March 2016)

GREEN MARINE SOLUTIONS be alternative fuels like natural gas. lie which is a 1,000 TEU feeder vessels. quantity. In general, further gas conver- will be not a robust LNG-infrastructure

But to ? nance such a retro? t for the This young vessel has been built in large sion projects may substantially reduce and vice versa. The ? nancial incen- use of natural gas is the most important series. They are mostly navigating in the the budget. A ? nancial support could be tives for both sides are too small and challenge. It is much more expensive European feeder traf? c, and 16 identi- obsolete under these parameters in the the entrepreneurial risks are too high to and complex than the installation of a cal sister ships are available for such a long-term. become active. Particularly at the tight scrubber system. In addition to ones own natural gas conversion. All these vessels state of the market, and the insuf? cient equity, external ? nancial support is nec- feature the same main engine type from LNG-infrastructure, no one of the owner

The existing LNG-infrastructure, also essary – at least with the ? rst retro? ts. MAN which have been converted suc- is prepared to take the full investment in highly frequented ports, is insuf? - cesfully in numerous landside gensets risk. Our actual gas project is therefore cient for supplying seagoing vessels.

If I understand you correct Wes Amelie In your opinion, what must be done to towards the use of natural gas. Thus, intended to create important impulses valuable practical experience and know- for the formation of a strong LNG- de- will not be the only vessels which you reduce this situation?

how could be gained in advance for our The expansion of natural gas mand structure. We are convinced: the are going to convert?

Right. We paid a lot of attention following conversion. I am convinced for the shipping industry suffers from gradual modi? cation of vessels, which to achieve a high multiplier effect, in that vessels from other shipping com- a – this can be seen also in other areas are already in service will stimulate the other words: possible follow-up projects panies can bene? t from the experiences – known phenomenon: the so called demand for natural gas and also the ur- can bene? t from this ? rst conversion. Be- we will have. Future conversion will be “chicken-and-egg-problem.” In other gently necessary extension of the LNG- cause of this we choosed our Wes Ame- pro? table with the possible increase of words: without an actual demand there infrastructure.

Right: “Meanwhile we have equipped eleven vessels of the type Rhein-M with

Schneekluth-ducts. With this we safe 200 to 400 liter heavy fuel per day per ship,” said Gerd Wessels.(the mounting of the Schneekluth WED & spoilers effects a hitch- less and linear water stream to the propeller).

Below: The retro? t of Wes Amelie (1,036 TEU) for the use with natural gas, will be the worldwide ? rst conversion of a container vessel from heavy fuel to natural gas.

(Images: Wessels GmbH) 42 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • MARCH 2016

MR #3 (40-51).indd 42 3/3/2016 9:37:40 AM