Last week, leading petroleum tanker operator, AET, took delivery of a new 320,000 dwt VLCC from Korean yard, Daewoo. Named Eagle Vancouver, this vessel is one of the world’s first newbuilds to comply with the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.
Although yet to be ratified, the IMO Convention will require vessels to manage their ballast water on every voyage either by exchanging it or treating it with an approved ballast water treatment system. Pre-empting the ratification, the new AET vessel has been fitted with a BWM system that disinfects ballast water using electrolysis technology.
Commenting on the new delivery, AET President & CEO, Mr Hor Weng Yew said: “Investing in ballast water treatment technology at this early stage ensures that AET stays ahead of industry requirements and demonstrates our readiness to embrace our environmental responsibilities. This vessel is the first of four newbuild VLCCs to join our fleet in 2013 and all will comply with the BWM Convention.”
He went on to say: “Protecting the environment is top of our corporate agenda and we invest heavily to ensure our vessels make a minimal impact on the planet. Not only is Eagle Vancouver fitted with this state-of-the-art ballast water management system but she also features a range of innovations aimed at reducing bunker consumption and associated environmental emissions.”
To substantially reduce the amount of fuel used, the new AET vessel incorporates a pre-swirl stator, rudder bulb and propeller boss cap fins. The third and fourth VLCCs to be delivered will be fitted with super long-stroke green engines to deliver more power for less fuel.
Eagle Vancouver flies the Singapore flag and AET has recently signed the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge as part of the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative to support and promote clean and green shipping in Singapore. A number of AET’s Suezmax vessels have qualified under the MPA Green Ship Programme.
“We are heartened by AET’s support of the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative by adopting the use of efficient ship designs that reduce its environmental footprint. We encourage all vessels flying the Singapore flag to continue to come forward to play an active role in promoting clean and green shipping in Singapore.” Said Mr Cheong Keng Soon, Director Shipping of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore .
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AET, January 22, 2013