Start of steel construction - from left to right: Bernard Meyer (Meyer Werft), Magne Morken, Bertram Engelsen (both Solvang ASA), Lambert Kruse (Meyer Werft)
Magne Morken, Managing Director of the Norwegian shipping company Solvang ASA, pushed the button of the computer-controlled
plasma torch for the steel construction of the fourth gas tanker out of a series of four. Cutting of the first steel plate marks the start of the production process of the new gas tanker. The LEG/LPG tankers will have a length overall of 154.9 m, a breadth of 22.70 m and a cargo capacity of 17,000 m3. They will be able to operate at a speed of 17 knots. In addition to ethylene, the tankers will also be able to carry vinyl chloride monomer, ammonia and propylene oxide, cooled down to minus 48° C. Deliveries of these special vessels, yard numbers S. 653, S. 654, S. 681 and S. 682, are scheduled for the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2007 and the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2008.
The sister company NEPTUN WERFT in Rostock will be mainly involved both with the tank construction and the outfitting of the ships. -www.shippingtimes.co.uk