GTT has signed a contract with Norwegian shipyard VARD to supply the LNG tanks for the newbuilding expedition ship ‘Ponant Icebreaker’.
This ship, the delivery of which is planned in 2021, will be the first electric hybrid cruise icebreaker with LNG propulsion. It will be operated by luxury Polar expedition company, PONANT.
Specially designed for LNG as a fuel on board, these tanks will be equipped with GTT’s Mark III membrane technology, already widely proven in the field of LNG transportation.
The Group will build the tanks and as a result, will be in charge of selecting and co-ordinating the sub-contractors, offering a turnkey solution for both VARD and PONANT.
‘PONANT Icebreaker’ is being built for Polar expeditions from two weeks to one month in duration.
Thanks to her two tanks of a total capacity of 4,500 cu m, this ship will be capable of sailing its entire routes using
LNG. This is made possible by the compactness of GTT’s membrane containment system, which optimises the payload in very restricted spaces.
“The ‘Ponant Icebreaker’ is a real world first. It is the first luxury ship with Ice Class PC2 certification ever designed, with electric hybrid engine and propelled by LNG, it is a pioneer in terms of sustainable cruising and environment protection,” explained Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, PONANT CEO.
Philippe Berterottière, GTT Chairman and CEO, added: “This project sets an important milestone in the development of the LNG as a fuel. GTT is proud to bring its expertise to PONANT and VARD, two important players of the maritime world, for the supply of the tanks of this particularly innovative and environmentally friendly ship.”
