Desgagnés's fired up on LNG

QUEBEC CITY, /CNW Telbec/ PRNewsWire - Desgagnés enthusiastically announced the acquisition of a 5thdual-fuel (diesel/LNG) oil/chemical tanker, the M/T Fure Vinga, soon to be renamed M/T GAÏA DESGAGNÉS.

Able to sail worldwide, the tanker will primarily carry refined petroleum products on the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence, the Arctic and the East coasts of Canada and the United States.

Recently built in April 2018, this 16,300-ton double-hull vessel, 150 meters long and 22.8 meters wide, holds an ice class 1A and can carry nearly 20,000 m³ of cargo in its tanks. It  is also equipped with a bow thruster and a high-efficiency rudder, providing exemplary safety during maneuvers.

The GAÏA DESGAGNÉS, 5th vessel using liquefied natural gas as fuel to be integrated in the Desgagnés fleet since 2017, joins the first 4 which were designed and built specifically for the company. The tanker also is part of the company's major fleet renewal plan, started a few years ago, confirming its commitment to better serve its customers and demonstrating, in a tangible way, Desgagnés's vision and leadership in sustainable development.  In fact, these dual-fuel vessels allow the company to maintain its stride aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its fleet to a level unparalleled in Canada.

The young fleet of technologically advanced ships offers a potential of rewarding and exciting marine career opportunities for Canadian sailors. An unequaled offer for the younger generation of developing sailors.

In addition to creating a significant reduction of GHGs and virtually eliminating particulate emissions, as for the other Desgagnés dual-fuel tankers, this vessel meets the highest international environmental standards (IMO Tier III). It offers, through increased efficiency of its engines and the management of its equipment, a greatly reduced fuel consumption compared to similar vessels. In addition, it is equipped with a chemical-free ballast water treatment system, ensuring the absence of contamination of invasive species in the St. Lawrence and inland waters.

The addition of the newly-built ship also allows Desgagnés to assert its expertise in the operation of technologically advanced vessels, as well as its headway in the operation of dual-fuel systems.

The GAÏA DESGAGNÉS, currently in Europe, will arrive in Canada by the end of April for the closing of the transaction, at which point it will be fitted to the Desgagnés colours and begin her operations by mid-May.