Doris Leblond
OGJ Correspondent
PARIS, Mar. 8 -- NYK Armateur, a joint subsidiary of Japan's ship-owner NYK Line 60% and Gaz de France 40%, has launched the 154,500 cu m Gaselys LNG carrier, sister ship of the giant Provalys carrier launched in mid-November 2006 (OGJ, Nov. 27, 2006, Newsletter).
Gaselys claims two major technological innovations: a new cargo containment system designed to reduce natural evaporation and boost carrying capacity and a natural gas-fired propulsion system using the natural evaporation of the cargo as fuel.
In addition, Gaselys is equipped to load under severe arctic weather conditions in fields such Snohvit, and its dimensions enable the carrier to load and unload at main existing LNG terminals.
Gaz de France will charter Gaselys for a 20-year period, and Gazocean, a subsidiary of Gaz de France 80% and NYK Line 20%, will handle the technical management of the vessel.
