Westcon Yards of Norway has completed conversion work on the country's first LNG bunkering vessel.
The vessel, which has been named Bergen LNG, will be operated by Bergen Tankers in supplying LNG to clients of local oil and gas company Gasnor. These clients will include cruise lines Hurtigruten and Havila Kystruten, whose respective fleets are presently transitioning from diesel to LNG operations.
The bunkering vessel was originally built in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 2009. It operated under the name Oslo Tank and was used by Bergen Tankers as an oil bunkering ship.
The conversion work entailed removal of the superstructures and old tank departments, installation of a new LNG cargo tank, and replacement of the existing electrical installations and piping.
Bergen LNG will then undergo gas trials prior to the commencement of LNG deliveries to vessels along Norway's west coast. The vessel will also supply LNG to Gasnor's land facilities under the same agreement between the two companies.