By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Feb. 25 -- Gaz de France (GdF) has signed a contract with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique for the construction of a 74,000 cu m LNG carrier, GdF reported. The order includes an option for a second vessel, said international classification society Bureau Veritas.
The vessel's tanks will use a cargo containment system developed by Gaztransport & Technigaz, a unit owned 40% by GdF. The carrier will be propelled by four natural gas-fired diesel engines, which will in turn generate electricity to power the ship's engines. GdF said the vessel is the first in the world that uses diesel-electric propulsion.
The new carrier will join six others already chartered by GdF. Gazocean Armement, a unit of GdF, will manage the French-registered vessel, which will operate in the Mediterranean Basin.