US-listed LPG carrier owner Navigator Holdings is offering training to Stena seafarers to prepare them for LNG-fuelled ferry operations.
The London-based company said crew members from the Swedish group's ship-management arm Northern Marine Group (NMG) are being welcomed on board the 37,500-cbm ethylene-capable Navigator Aurora (built 2016).
The idea is to prepare ferry officers to operate gas-fuelled vessels of the future and allow them to gain the relevant certification.
The officers can gain the required 30 days of sea time working with a low-flashpoint fuel by shadowing officers on board.
NMG chief engineer Dawid Jaroszewski is one of those benefiting from the training collaboration.
"I have only been on board for a few days but already I am learning a lot about the operation of dual-fuel powered devices, as well as the bunkering and operations process," he said.
"I have taken time to familiarise myself with the ship and gas-powered equipment, main engine power system and auxiliary units, as well as procedures from heavy fuel oil/diesel to gas and vice versa."
The officer said he has also had the opportunity to participate in the inspection of type-C tanks, as well as the pump feeding from these tanks.
New experiences
"I am grateful to the engineers who are devoting time to explain all the aspects that are of interest to me. Every day I am gaining new experiences," Jaroszewski said.
Stena RoRo has seven LNG-fuelled E-Flexer ropaxes being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
Sean McCormack, NMG's ship management director, added the company is very grateful to Navigator.
"The utilisation of low flashpoint fuels on ro-ro and ropax ferries is still in its infancy, and therefore the opportunity for our officers to experience time on board the Navigator Aurora demonstrates the benefit of working with innovative clients such as Navigator ... who operate at the vanguard of ... engineering," he said.
Navigator chief commercial officer Oeyvind Lindeman said the two companies are long-term partners. The Swedish company helped Navigator with the world’s first engine conversion from oil to ethane as fuel.
Helping NMG "aligns perfectly with Navigator’s goal to reduce carbon footprint in the maritime industry," he added.
