According to WPB, McAsphalt Industries, a prominent Canadian producer and supplier of asphalt and bitumen, has recently added a cutting-edge LNG-fueled bitumen tanker to its operational fleet. This newly built vessel, named McAsphalt Advantage, signifies a pivotal move in the company’s long-term strategy to reinforce the reliability of bitumen transport while simultaneously advancing environmental performance.
The McAsphalt Advantage boasts a deadweight tonnage of 12,500 and is engineered to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel alternative known for its lower carbon emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. With a length of 140 meters and a beam measuring nearly 24 meters, the vessel is capable of transporting up to 11,000 cubic meters of liquid cargo — an impressive capacity that will serve the firm’s needs across key shipping routes.
Designed by FKAB Marine Design, a well-respected name in innovative naval architecture, the tanker was constructed at Wuhu Shipyard, a Chinese facility known for building specialized vessels. The propulsion and onboard energy systems were supplied by Wärtsilä, a Finnish technology leader in the maritime sector. Wärtsilä’s contribution includes two 20DF dual-fuel engines, controllable pitch propellers, advanced rudder systems under the Energopac brand, gearboxes, and a transverse thruster — all tailored to maximize both fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Flying under the Canadian flag, the McAsphalt Advantage is expected to play a vital role in supporting the company’s operations across the Great Lakes region. This area is a central hub for inland maritime commerce in North America and is critical to the transportation of bulk materials like bitumen, particularly for road maintenance and infrastructure development projects.
In a public statement, Chuck Van Dyk, Executive Vice President of McAsphalt Industries, emphasized the broader significance of this vessel. “The McAsphalt Advantage represents a step forward in aligning our logistical capabilities with sustainable practices,” he noted. “By incorporating LNG propulsion, we are actively reducing our environmental footprint while improving the efficiency and reliability of our fleet. This investment reflects our broader mission to deliver quality products responsibly and adapt to a rapidly changing industry landscape.”
The inclusion of LNG-powered vessels in commercial fleets has been gaining traction globally. LNG emits significantly lower levels of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, contributing to reduced air pollution and compliance with increasingly stringent maritime environmental regulations. McAsphalt’s initiative thus places it among a growing number of forward-thinking companies adopting clean energy solutions in shipping logistics.
By integrating advanced ship design and eco-conscious technology, McAsphalt Industries is not only fortifying its supply chain but also contributing meaningfully to the global effort to decarbonize the maritime sector.
By Bitumenmag
Bitumen, Shipping, Tanker
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