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Netherlands-based shipbuilder Ferus Smit has confirmed that it has delivered the world's first LNG-powered cement tanker, MV Greenland [pictured], to its owners.

According to Ferus Smit, delivery of the vessel was preceded by an extensive programme of trials and tests in which the operation and safety of all systems was verified.

MV Greenland then left Delfzijl harbour on Wednesday, December 23, on its first commercial voyage to Rostock in order to receive its maiden cement load.

M.V. Greenland is a dedicated cement carrier built for the joint venture business JT Cement AS - a collaboration between Sweden's Erik Thun AB and Norwegian company KG Jebsen Cement.

The vessel is the first ever dry cargo vessel with an LNG-fuelled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull. The unique design incorporates a pressurised LNG tank positioned in the foreship. While sailing on LNG, the vessel will meet the most stringent emission criteria, as well as potentially meeting future norms for environmentally sensitive areas.

The cement cargo system consists of a fully automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air. The cement can be loaded and unloaded fully enclosed through pipes, thus dust-free.