By
Rebecca Gibson |
MSC Cruises has partnered with ARTA to develop an LNG bunkering system for its cruise ships.
Following almost one year of research and analysis, MSC Cruises and ARTA have developed a tailor-made LNG bunkering system that can be used to refuel the ships quickly during turnaround operations.
The system comprises a highly resistant double-walled corrugated stainless steel hose that transfers LNG from the bunkering ship, or shore facility, to the cruise ship. The double wall and complete vacuum insulation adds an additional layer of protection, while keeping the gas at -162°C throughout the entire process. In addition, the ‘male’ and ‘female’ quick connect/disconnect coupling incorporate double sealing technology.
“We are exceptionally glad of the new system that we have developed to suit the cruise industry’s specific bunkering needs,” said Andreas von Keitz, ARTA’s managing director. “Thanks to our partnership with MSC Cruises we have been able to fully understand these needs and have put over 40 years of our bunkering engineering experience to good use. The result is a technologically advanced solution that will help ensure that the double wall principle is maintained across the entire LNG bunkering supply chain.”
ARTA and MSC Cruises’ new LNG bunkering system will be used by the line’s four new LNG-powered World Class ships, the first one of which will be delivered by STX France in 2022.
“With up to four LNG-powered cruise ships scheduled to join our fleet, we are highly committed to developing the best possible technologies and systems to support the introduction of LNG to cruising,” said Yves Bui, MSC Cruises’ LNG project director. “In ARTA, we have found a partner that matches our focus on innovation and the best maritime technology at sea and that understands our industry’s specific needs. The result is a system that features a newly developed coupling and decoupling mechanism as well as a double-walled hose that will allow us to conduct bunkering operations without disrupting the activities taking place on board the ship.”