A newly built, environmentally advanced tanker, the LETTIE PG, has officially entered service under the Isle of Man flag. This vessel marks a significant milestone, as it is the first of three such tankers commissioned by Pritchard-Gordon Tankers (PG Tankers) as part of its ongoing fleet renewal program, according to Marine Insight.
Significant Step
A new 10,600 DWT oil product and chemical tanker, named LETTIE PG, has been delivered for commercial operations, marking a significant step towards modern sustainability goals in maritime transport.
This environmentally conscious vessel, designed to meet specific trading needs, was built at the CMJL Ding Heng shipyard in China and was initially launched in September 2024. The ship’s design was developed by FKAB Marine Design, a Swedish-based naval architecture firm renowned for its innovative and energy-efficient ship concepts.
The vessel will be operated by PG Tankers, a company based in the North East of England. PG Tankers specializes in the transportation of crude oil, refined petroleum products, biofuels, and chemicals, particularly through environmentally sensitive regions, utilizing custom-built shallow-draft, double-hull tankers.
The LETTIE PG integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. Notably, it is methanol fuel-ready, positioning it for future transitions to alternative fuels. Furthermore, the vessel is equipped with peak-shaving batteries that are charged using solar power, enhancing its energy efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels during certain operational phases.
Key Innovations
The newly delivered LETTIE PG incorporates several key innovations aimed at enhancing its environmental performance and operational efficiency.
A notable feature is its F-bow design, patented by FKAB Marine Design, which is engineered to reduce wave resistance, thereby improving hydrodynamic performance. The vessel’s hull has also undergone a full optimization process using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to further enhance flow performance and fuel efficiency.
The ship’s integrated propulsion system is another highlight, featuring a twisted leading-edge rudder and a custom-matched propeller-hull combination. This system not only improves speed and fuel economy but also plays a crucial role in minimizing underwater noise and cavitation. These factors are increasingly important for protecting marine life and overall ship performance.
The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR), which officially registered the LETTIE PG, lauded the vessel as representative of a new generation of eco-friendly ships tailored for companies like PG Tankers. IOMSR specifically praised PG Tankers for its leadership in sustainable shipping and expressed pride in supporting such environmental efforts.
Sustainability is a core tenet of the IOMSR’s mission. The registry is actively collaborating with several shipowners on various green projects and is involved in the development of advanced wind propulsion technologies designed to reduce emissions. A prominent example of their commitment is the BERGE OLYMPUS, recognized as the world’s most powerful wind-assisted cargo ship, which also sails under the Isle of Man flag.
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Source: Marine Insight
