Drydocks World Dubai has announced it is building the world’s first  LNG-powered harbour tug as part of a green initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The company has entered into an MoU with Wartsila and the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence for building the craft.

“This project launched under the trade mark Elemarateyah is part of the Dubai Maritime Green Initiative, a strategic movement to encourage all-round environmental excellence in maritime and allied sectors including oil, gas and energy. This landmark undertaking in which the tug will have a dual engine capable of operating with both traditional MDO and LNG, will represent a major breakthrough that would decide the future of green technology,” said a Drydocks World statement.

It observed that the shipping and maritime industry is moving towards increased use of LNG-driven craft driven by new emissions standards that will come into place in 2015.

“The emission requirement globally is driving the industry towards the use of cleaner fuels,”  the company stated.

Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World, commented: “We are building the world’s first LNG-fuelled harbour tug and are wholeheartedly supporting the Government of Dubai’s initiatives. The environmental and economic advantages of using LNG as a marine propulsion fuel are immeasurable. Use of LNG will reduce emissions of NOx and CO2 by approximately 85 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. Our combined initiative with leaders in their respective fields aims to implement LNG technology at our yard and develop appropriate facilities thereby encouraging the commercial use of the technology.”

Drydocks World and Dubai Maritime City will collaborate with Wärtsilä for design, equipment and related support services for the construction of the tug.

Waleed Salman, chairman of Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, stated: “Dubai Carbon will develop a programme for Drydocks World that will support ongoing and planned emission reduction projects, and identify further potential to the benefit of the organisation, the customer and the Emirate of Dubai.”

Emirates Classification (Tasneef) will provide classification and advisory services, issue mandatory certificates for ship registration, and provide technical and engineering services as well as training.