Big landmark for Framo

PUMP IT UP

PUMPS • MODERN DEEPWELL CARGO PUMPS CAN HELP SHIPOWNERS ACHIEVE THE EMISSIONS AND EFFICIENCY TARGETS THEY SEEK, AS FRAMO’S LANDMARK DELIVERY ILLUSTRATES

THE ARRIVAL OF a new ship in any fleet is a big event and so it was that the usual celebrations attended the delivery last month of Saltstraum, the third in a series of four chemical tankers built by AVIC Dingheng in China for Norwegian owner Utkilen.

As befits the modern chemical tanker, the new 10,500-dwt tanker, which like its sisterships features stainless steel in its 14 cargo tanks, is also equipped with the latest innovations to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. This includes the use of a dual-fuel engine, capable of

UTKILEN’S CEO, SIRI-ANN MJAATVEDT, CELEBRATES

THE LATEST ARRIVAL WITH MARTIJN BERGINK, running on LNG, as well as the potential to install a battery pack to run the ship on clean electricity.

This means that, compared to older comparable vessels, Saltstraum will emit 30 per cent less carbon dioxide and 80 per cent less nitrogen oxides. It also has the potential for zero-emissions operations at the quayside, using shore power for loading and unloading. “We are incredibly proud to take delivery of these newbuildings, which represent the future of chemical tankers. The ships will sail along the Norwegian coast for many years to come,” notes Leif Larsen, Utkilen’s newbuilding director.

MAKE THE CONNECTION While the delivery marked a big day for Utkilen, it marked an even bigger day for cargo pump supplier Framo, as this was the 4,000th vessel to use Framo pumps. The company, based in Bergen like much of the chemical tanker community, has been delivering pumps for chemical and product tankers since the late 1960s and has set the standard for marine cargo pumping. But it is keeping up to date and following the latest technical developments towards emissions reduction.

“Although sea transport is one of the most eco-friendly alternatives for freight, it is always positive when shipping companies take the lead to make shipping even greener in connection with fleet renewals,” says Framo’s CEO Martijn Bergink. “We are very happy to note how Framo’s solutions can also help save on fuel. Our pumping systems allow the crew to get the cargo ashore quickly, followed by a quick and efficient cleaning process, so that the ships can soon be on their way with a new cargo on board.”

“Although the vessels are built in China, most of the equipment comes from Norway and Europe, such as the Framo pumps. These ships are a long step towards the IMO 2050 targets”, adds Larsen.

Following the delivery of Saltstraum, Utkilen now has 19 ice-class chemical tankers in the water, with one further newbuilding due to join the fleet later this year. Its ships range in size from 6,000 dwt to 20,000 dwt and trade largely in northern Europe. It also has four modern 20,000-dwt stainless steel chemical tankers operating globally in the Stream fleet.

Framo, headquartered in Askøy just outside Bergen, was founded in 1938 and since 2014 has been part of Alfa Laval’s Marine Division. It employs some 1,300 people around the world. In addition to cargo pumps for tankers, it also supplies pumps for applications in firewater, slop and ballast water, and the upstream oil and gas industry. www.framo.com www.utkilen.no