Page 37 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 01.19

Port of Hamburg Magazine | March 2019 | 37
Ice-cold bunkering: Naming of first German LNG refuelling vessel
There was a howling gale early in February as I
watched the naming of the new ‘Kairos’. I even lost my cap...
The day commenced with a hearty breakfast on the
MS ‘Koi’. The refueller was already lying in wait at Steinwerder Cruise Terminal for sponsor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and numerous folk from the press. After speeches from Jörg Pollmann, Port
Captain, and Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Au- thority, the sponsor then officially named the ‘Kai- ros’, using the obligatory bottle of sparkling wine.
The ‘Kairos’ is the world’s largest LNG bunkering ship and something really special, since Liquefied Natural Gas reduces sulphur, nitrogen oxide and fine-dust
particle emissions, and helps cut down CO2. Replac- ing heavy or diesel oil, the ‘Kairos’ can deliver be- tween 200,000 and 300,000 tons of LNG per year.
Please note: In motoring terms, that’s equal to total consumption by 500,000 diesel car engines. Ship-to-ship-refuelling for the first time facilitates com-
mercially and technically practical LNG supply for larg- er ocean-going vessels in Germany and its neighbours on the Baltic.
© HHM / Tim Reincke
Becker Marine Systems and Wallenius Marine introduce wind-powered ships
Becker is currently developing a super-efficient wing- sail that can give commercial vessels a powerful shove – forwards. Over long distances, wind as a ‘power source’ should sharply reduce a ship’s fuel thirst. The leading partner for this development is Wallenius Ma- rine.
The latest design for a modern car transporter or WPCC – Wind-Powered Car Carrier features four large wingsails, each with a spread of more than 1,000 square metres. In optimum conditions, these will be able to give the vessel a speed of up to ten knots with- out any help from engines.
By contrast with most other approaches, Becker’s wingsail consists of two vertical sections, forming an aerodynamic foil. For passing bridges, guaranteeing safe operation in port and ‘reefing’ the system in rough weather conditions, Becker has thought up a special lowering device for its startling new technology.
© Wallenius Marine