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. It will operate worldwide with 25 crew including four Omani cadets.
 
OSC acting chief executive officer Tarik Al Junaidi said the Adam LNG 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 Adam LNG will be offered on the ‘open market’ to oil and gas companies worldwide.
 
“This state-of-the-art LNGC offers considerable benefits to customers,” he said. “Its innovations mean it is exceptionally fuel efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly. We have listened to industry and we understand this is what customers want. Our core activity is oil and gas transportation.  The delivery of the Adam LNG, together with the ordering of 11 medium range products tankers, reflects our ambition to grow not only in Oman, and the Middle East, but also worldwide. The arrival of the Adam LNG sees us redouble our efforts to promote our fleet, which is now among the best managed, most advanced, fuel efficient, cost effective, diverse and eco-efficient in the world.”

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,” he said. “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.”

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.”
 
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. - TradeArabia News Service