Breaking away from South Hook No 1 with assistance of duty tugs.

BUILT: 2016
MMSI: 212611000
GT: 128806t
DWT: 96779t
SIZE: 299m x 50m

Christophe de Margerie-class design and features:

The icebreaking LNG carrier features an ice-strengthened hull structure, which was fabricated using E-grade high-tensile special steel. Covered with 7cm of steel plates, the bow offers high manoeuvrability in open water and up to 1.5m-thick ice. The stern section is designed to enable navigation in severe ice conditions.

The double-acting tanker capability allows the vessel to break heavy ice in both bow and astern manuoevres.

Each vessel has an overall length of 299m, a width of 50m, a depth of 26.5m, and a design draught of 11.7m. The length between perpendiculars is 282m, the deadweight is 80,200t, and the gross register tonnage is 128,806t. The vessel is manned by a crew of 29 members and is capable of carrying 172.600m³ of cargo.

The tank containment system aboard the vessel incorporates NO96 GW membrane technology developed by Gaz Transport & Technigaz. The ship is also fitted with reinforced plywood boxes with glass wool to provide insulation.

Command and control:-
The icebreaking LNG carrier comes with two wheelhouses, arranged in a T-shaped layout, to perform operation and control tasks. One wheelhouse points towards the bow section. It features two external winterised wings on the port and starboard sides for monitoring the ship’s manoeuvres.

The second bridge is situated at the rear of the deck to perform command and control when the ship proceeds astern.

Navigation and communication systems, including global positioning systems (GPS), GLONASS, radar, Xenon light, and GPS compass, are installed in the bridges to ensure safe navigation.

Safety features of the Christophe de Margerie-class vessels
The vessel is equipped with anti-icing and de-icing systems to protect onboard systems. The engine compartment is enclosed with a 10cm-thick layer of fibre glass.

The equipment mounted on the vessel’s deck is designed to provide reliable operation in low temperatures. Thermal-oil heating systems are used to prevent accumulation of snow and ice on the deck.

The mooring points are covered to prevent ice formation and to protect the crew from cold conditions.

Other safety systems installed in the tanker include exhaust gas bypass and cooling systems, piping for ballast system, and life-saving equipment.

Propulsion:-
The icebreaking LNG carrier will be powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of four 12-cylinder and two nine-cylinder Wärtsilä 50DF diesel fuel engines, as well as an electric propulsion system. The nine-cylinder variant generates a rated power of 8,550kW, while the 12-cylinder variant is rated at 11,400kW.

The four-stroke Wärtsilä 50DF engines, which run on LNG and light or heavy fuel oils, deliver a total power output of 64.35MW.

Three Azipod propulsion units, which can rotate through 360°, are installed to power the vessel in arctic conditions. Each Azipod unit, rated at 15MW, is coupled to a rudder propeller.

Performance of the Christophe de Margerie-class LNG carriers
The Christophe de Margerie-class LNG tankers can sail at a speed of 19.5kt in open seas and at 5kt in 1.5m-thick ice. They will have the ability to withstand temperatures of -50°C when operating in arctic environments.

The vessels are capable of navigating independently through 2.1m-thick ice and 15m-high waves, as well as turning 180° using the Azipod.

Contractors involved:-
ABB won a contract to supply Azipod propulsion systems, generators, transformers, turbochargers, switchboards, electric drives, and propulsion control systems for the vessels in June 2014.

Through its Korean joint venture company Wärtsilä Hyundai Engine (WHEC), Wärtsilä secured a contract from DSME to supply 54 diesel fuel engines to power nine icebreaking LNG carriers in October 2014.

DSME placed an order for an additional 30 engines to power the remaining six ships in February 2015.