Desgagnés takes delivery of the world's first dual-fuel, LNG asphalt tanker

QUÉBEC CITY -- Desgagnés announced that it has taken delivery of the M/T Damia Desgagnés, a brand new vessel recently completed in Turkey. A next generation and asphalt-bitumen-chemical tanker, this is the first of a series of four oil carriers, custom-built according to an original concept developed by Desgagnés and ordered at the Besiktas shipyard located in Yalova near Istanbul, Turkey.

Photo Courtesy of Desgagnés.

"The addition of the Damia Desgagnés to the Desgagnés fleet is the result of tremendous work, innovations and constant collaboration with the shipyard, and is the source of great pride," said Mr. Louis-Marie Beaulieu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Desgagnés. “The Damia Desgagnés tangibly demonstrates all of Desgagnés's vision and leadership with regards to sustainable development as well as its commitment to its clientele in order to offer a first-class, safe and environmentally-friendly marine transportation service for petroleum products."

The Damia Desgagnés is the first dual-fuel powered Canadian-flagged tanker and the first-ever asphalt carrier of this type. Double-hulled, the tanker is equipped with a Wärtsila 5RT-flex 50DF engine developing a power output of 5,450 kW, and with commands, can be powered by any of three types of fuel, namely heavy fuel oil, marine diesel oil or LNG.

With a deadweight of around 15,000 tons, the tanks offer a carrying capacity of 14,950 m³ when filled at 98%. It can carry over 13,500 tons of asphalt at a draft of 7.8 meters in seawater.

LNG refueling distribution networks for vessels without specific service points and trading various routes remain a major challenge, but they are under development in collaboration with different partners such as Gaz Métro and the ports of Quebec and Montreal. Desgagnés will continue working with the various suppliers to improve and adapt their services to the needs of the marine industry. "LNG has a bright future in maritime transportation and Desgagnés will actively contribute to broadening its use" concludes Mr. Beaulieu.

The M/T Damia Desgagnés is scheduled to weigh anchor around April 10. The tanker will most likely make a first delivery in Europe before heading to North America, where it should arrive mid-May, all subject to the cargo.

• Most Read
• Most Commented