Shipping & Logistics

Oman firm receives LNG ship

The Adam LNG, built by Hyundai Heavy Industries

Oman Shipping Company (OSC) has taken delivery of one of the world’s most advanced fuel-efficient LNG carriers – the Adam LNG.

The 162,000 cu m capacity vessel was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan, South Korea, and will operate worldwide with 25 crew including four Omani cadets.

OSC acting chief executive officer Tarik Al Junaidi said the carrier is a powerful demonstration of the Muscat-based company’s “driving commitment to constant innovation” in its fleet which now numbers 43 vessels and is one of the biggest in the Gulf. He said the vessel will be offered to oil and gas companies worldwide.

Al Junaidi said key innovations on the Adam LNG included its propulsion system and the design of its aft hull form.

“To slash harmful emissions we have deployed the latest Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) technology. This enables the engine to operate on the lean-burn principle which increases engine efficiency and reduces peak temperatures which cuts nitrogen oxide emissions. In addition the ship has been coated with a new low-friction paint which reduces fuel consumption by improving the sailing efficiency of the vessel.  It does this by reducing the friction resistance of the hull. Furthermore, the design of the aft body hull forms a shape to improve wake pattern and increase propeller efficiency.”

Al Junaidi

Al Junaidi

OSC chief operating officer David Stockley said another prime benefit OSC can offer customers is in-house management through Oman Ship Management Company (OSMC), a fully-owned subsidiary of OSC. He said the Adam LNG will be managed by OSMC.

“OSMC is a fundamental part of OSC and is growing fast,” he said. “In the last year the number of vessels OSMC is managing has increased from 20 to 27 and these include VLCCs, VLOCs, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, product tankers and multi-purpose vessels. OSMC remains absolutely committed to, and passionate about, maintaining the highest international standards of safety, environmental responsibility, quality and cost efficiency.  We have still not suffered a lost time accident since we started keeping records in 2009. Moreover, we are rated a ‘better operator’ by the Tanker Management Self-Assessment (TMSA) programme. We believe OSMC offers customers a dedicated personal service at great value underpinned by experience and expertise.”

Al Junaidi said a key dimension to OSC’s growth plans is the development of the Port of Duqm on the South West coast of the Arabian Sea.

“Maritime has a huge role to play in the future of Oman,” he said. “Massive investment, energy and effort is being ploughed into the sector to make Oman a focal point of international maritime trade.  OSC is central to this ambition together with the ports of Sohar and Salalah. Of particular interest to OSC is the growing emergence of the Port of Duqm as a world class imports and exports hub. Duqm’s geographical position on the South West coast thrusts it into pole position for Asia to Europe trade routes.

“We see considerable potential for oil and gas shipments through Duqm and also containerised cargo for East Africa, the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Duqm is further endowed with huge quantities of minerals, much of it located close to the port including valuable limestone, silica sands, ornamental stone and dolomite. This is perfect for exporting and diversifying the Omani economy. Furthermore, Duqm is home to Oman Drydock Company, the new $1.5 billion shipyard which is one of the biggest and best equipped in the world and is already used extensively by the OSC fleet.”