Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a company of Yokohama-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has held a christening ceremony for the latest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier Diamond Gas Sakura, currently under construction for Mitsubishi and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).
Image: The new LNG carrier designed with a length of 293.5m, width of 48.94m, and depth of 27.0m, with a draft of 11.05m. Photo: Courtesy of MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
MHI has organized the christening ceremony at its Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, and was attended by representatives of the ship owner and many others involved with the project, including Toho Gas president and representative director Yoshiro Tominari, and Tohoku Electric Power director & managing executive officer Toshinori Abe.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding said that the new Diamond Gas Sakura marks the third Sayaringo STaGE type vessel for the two companies and the latest model of LNG carrier features improved carrying capacity and fuel performance with a more efficient hull structure and hybrid propulsion system.
The new LNG carrier designed with a length of 293.5m, width of 48.94m, and depth of 27.0m, with a draft of 11.05m, is expected to be completed by May 2019 and would join the Diamond Gas Orchid and Diamond Gas Rose ships in transporting LNG for the Cameron LNG Project.
Diamond Gas Sakura has a deadweight tonnage of approximately 73,800tons, and a total tank holding capacity of 165,000m3.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding said that it has secured the order to commission new vessel from MI LNG, a joint venture for design and sale of LNG carriers established by MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding.
Nagasaki-based MHI Group Company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Structure has managed the construction of the LNG carrier.
The Sayaringo STaGE featuring steam turbine and gas engines is a next model for Sayaendo, a vessel known for its reliable and refined MOSS-type spherical tanks. Sayaringo STaGE features apple-shaped tank that allows greater LNG carrying capacity without increasing the ship’s beam.
STaGE is an acronym derived from Steam Turbine and Gas Engines and is a hybrid propulsion system combining a steam turbine and gas-fired engines.
The company, in a statement, said: “Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MHI Marine Structure will continue the development of next-generation LNG carriers exhibiting exceptional fuel efficiency and sustainability, to further advance contributions to stable energy supplies and environmental conservation.”