LNG ship successfully test seaworthiness

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Independence, built for Lithuania in a South Korean shipyard, sailed to sea for testing under its own steam for the first time, reports ELTA. Testing at sea is one of the required construction stages, and often the final one, before the vessel can be launched. The carrier was tested at sea for about a week, from Jan. 22-27.

Tests at sea are conducted in order to assess the ship's efficiency and suitability to sail. The vessel’s speed, maneuverability, equipment and safety functions were checked. After the first tests it was ascertained that the carrier can safely sail on its own.

The ship's propeller was tested in early January. Safety equipment of the crew and other tests were conducted afterwards.

The carrier is being built in the South Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. It will arrive at the Klaipeda seaport this autumn. The LNG terminal project is being implemented by AB Klaipedos Nafta.