Bergen Tankers, in collaboration with Westcon Yards, have completed the first ever Norwegian bunkering ship for LNG – Bergen LNG.
In conjunction with the rebuild of Hurtigruten and Kystruten from Diesel to LNG operations, Bergen Tankers made an agreement with Gasnor to deliver fuel to both these ships in the Bergen area, as well as other clients of Gasnor. This was the beginning of the comprehensive and groundbreaking remodeling work of Oslo Tank.
“It was important for us to have a solid partner in the remodeling aspect of this project” – Ingemar Presthus - Technical and Marine Manager, Bergen Tankers AS
Westcon Yards Florø won the remodeling contract – a comprehensive project including work such as removing superstructures and old tank departments, lifting the deck and installing a cargo tank, electro installations and pipe installations, and much more.
Technical and Marine Manager at Bergen Tankers, Ingemar Presthus, says there were multiple considerations to make when choosing the right partner for this work;
“Westcon Yards were chosen out of an overall assessment where their experience with newbuilds, great facilities with dry docks and, last but not least, the people involved, really counted for a lot. It was important for us to have a solid partner in the rebuild of this ship.”
Oslo Tank was originally built in St. Petersburg in 2009 and has been used as a bunkering ship for oil until this comprehensive remodeling. Now that the main cargo will be LNG, it has received a new name for the occasion – Bergen LNG.
We have had a good relationship throughout this entire process and we’ve solved any and all problems that have presented themselves, in a good way
Despite a process affected by Covid-19, Westcon Yards has now delivered the final product and the ship left the dock in Florø on the 23rd of March.
Bergen Tankers can now get Bergen LNG going with inspections and approvals with the customers and get started with the first test – gas trial – with LNG. Presthus says they are very happy with the final result;
“We have had a good relationship throughout this entire process and we’ve solved any and all problems that have presented themselves, in a good way.
The end result is a good looking, safe and efficient ship, that will have many deliveries per year. Right now, we are starting it up, first with inspections and approvals with our clients, and then for gas trial with the first delivery.”
Bergen LNG will work for Gasnor for many years and deliver to land facilities throughout Norway. Because most of the operations will take place on the West Coast, its' loading dock is placed in Kollnes, Øygarden.
Bergen Tankers will continue their delivery service of oil, and now also gas, along the European coast, but they have plans to renew existing fleets and expand their operations;
“We see a lot of interesting work ahead regarding the transition to alternative fuels, both gas and bio products.”
Contact person Bergen Tankers: Ingemar T. Presthus
Contact person Westcon Yards: Deon Mortensen