Trinity Yachts to offer LNG engineering for superyachts

Trinity Yachts, LLC, is to incorporate the expertise of Trinity Offshore’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) engineering, applied to offshore supply vessels, for superyachts.

LNG is a less-polluting natural gas and a greener alternative to diesel.
 
The announcement was triggered by the latest development from Trinity Offshore, a company which shares the same owner as Trinity Yachts, and was recently awarded a contract to build two dual fuel offshore supply vessels capable of operating exclusively on natural gas. Trinity Yachts said it will transfer the skills used on the project for its custom built superyachts, making it ‘the first custom builder to be able to transfer this level of environmental technology to the world’s superyacht fleet.’
 
Trinity Yachts’ roots lie firmly in commercial and military ship construction. Only now, however, has Trinity been able to capitalise on this. In 2005 Trinity bought its Gulfport shipyard from VT Halter, which provides vessels to defense departments, navies and special operations forces, and under the terms of the agreement Trinity was not able to compete in military or commercial operations. The contract expired in 2010 allowing Trinity to mix the two disciplines and launch the current facility for LNG engineering.
 
Billy Smith, vice president of Trinity said, “We are going back to our roots in commercial and military shipbuilding. It’s also fortuitous timing because of the current climate - we have to be able to diversify and expand our offerings to keep business going.”
 
A client has already shown interest in building an LNG yacht, said Smith: “We’ve got one customer talking about an LNG explorer yacht. He wants to do ice exploration in the Arctic and minimise the impact on the environment.”


Yachts, like Trinity's Mi Sueno, pictured here and on show at FLIBS 2011, could be designed with LNG engineering in the future.

LNG, as a greener alternative to diesel, is the subject of debate at the 2011 Global Superyacht Forum running from 14-16 November. Speakers including Terje Nordtun from Wärtsilä, which manufactures dual-fuel engines for yachts that can run on LNG, will be discussing the current situation and future developments of LNG fuel availability.
 
Environmentally friendly solutions are becoming increasingly important as owners are reported to be looking for greener yachts. IMO Tier III rules to reduce harmful emissions are also coming into force in 2016, requiring the industry to review its green offerings. In its interim report Jan-Sept 2011, Wärtsilä also forecast a positive future for environmental services: “In the slightly longer term, we see good prospects arising for environmental services.”
 
Trinity’s adoption of LNG engineering therefore, could herald a more widespread offering from shipyards in the years to come. 

Related Links

Trinity Yachts Profile | Trinity Yachts Website
Trinity Offshore Website
VT Halter Marine Website
Wärtsilä Profile | Wärtsilä Website
Global Superyacht Forum Programme

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