Van Oord Operates First LNG Only Crane

Van Oord’s first vessel to run entirely on LNG, Werkendam, started work on its first project in May. The world’s first LNG-powered crane vessel is carrying out maintenance work in the port of Rotterdam.

Van Oord said the client, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, is pleased with this initial deployment.
“We are encouraging the transition from fuel oil to LNG as a fuel for shipping. It is good that operational ships are taking the lead,” said Ronald Paul, COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

With a storage tank on the aft deck, the Werkendam can store enough LNG to sail and operate for fourteen days without refueling. Compared to a diesel-powered vessel, the Werkendam emits 80 percent less particulate matter and 70 percent less nitrogen. It also boasts a CO2 reduction of 25 percent.

Van Oord will deploy the crane vessel mainly on Dutch projects for its subsidiary Paans Van Oord. The Werkendam is co-financed by the European Union.