West Welding and partner Høglund Marine Solutions delivered LNG fuel modules to the Rauma Marine Constructions’ shipyard in Rauma, Finland. There they have been installed on Tallink’s new shuttle vessel MyStar that will operate on Tallinn – Helsinki route. The delivery consisted of LNG fuel tanks, integrated Tank Connection Spaces, and Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS) developed by Høglund. Despite of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic the delivery reached Rauma on time, which is a statement of a strong working alliance between West Welding and Høglund Marine Solutions.
West Welding’s CEO Janne Halonen comments on the partnership: “It was great to carry out a Scandinavian alliance and partner with Høglund in this project. We were able to combine the things that we both know best: West Welding’s expertise in LNG fuel tank design and module manufacture and Høglund’s innovative Fuel Gas Supply Systems. “
On the client’s side commenting the project is Rauma Marine Constructions’ Project Manager Marko Paloluoto: “LNG tanks belong to the most important main equipment deliveries for the project and we can be satisfied that Høglund and West Welding have been able to deliver the LNG tanks on time to Shipyard. We have been able to install both LNG tanks in time and building of MyStar can continue according to our production plan.”
The modules were custom designed to fit the client’s exact needs. The design and implementation of the critical hardware and systems takes into account the complexities of handling LNG as a marine fuel.
“We are pleased that Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) in cooperation with their good partners West Welding and Høglund has succeeded to design the most optimal size of LNG tanks fitted into the LNG compartment which will allow us to reduce the frequency of LNG bunkering operations for our newest shuttle vessel MyStar. With LNG operated shuttle vessels operating between Helsinki and Tallinn we will be able to reduce GHG emissions significally,” Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of HT Ship Management at Tallink Grupp said.
Commenting on the delivery of the LNG tanks to the shipbuilders at Rauma shipyard, Høglund VP Operations, Sven Halvorsen: “Despite the ongoing challenges created by COVID-19, we worked closely alongside the team at West Welding to ensure that we delivered this essential hardware on time. Through our tight co-operation we are helping to ensure that vital LNG projects do not fall behind schedule.”
LNG modules were delivered to Rauma Marine Constructions in October 2020. The completed shuttle vessel, being built by Rauma Marine Constructions, is scheduled for delivery in early 2022.