The Samskip-Kvitbjorn: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On the afternoon of April 4, 2016, the roro ferry 'Kvitbjørn', operated by Norlines, was escorted by two tugs from AS Slepebåten across the Sandnes Sound, making its way from Skattøra to Olavsvern in Ramfjord. The vessel had been experiencing significant engine difficulties, attributed to computer malfunctions, and had remained docked at Norlines' quay in Skattøra since the previous week. The decision was made to tow the 'Kvitbjørn' to a location where repairs could be carried out, as the issues were expected to require considerable time to resolve. For those interested in visuals, a detailed Norwegian report featuring photographs can be found at http://www.nordlys.no/bat/nor-lines/rederier/her-slepes-verdens-mest-miljovennlige-skip-i-tromso/s/5-34-397227.

On June 28, 2015, the cargo vessel 'Kvitbjørns', carrying a crew of 15, experienced a grounding incident at Skeidskråka, a reef situated near Skeide, while en route from Bergen to Ulsteinvik. Efforts to dislodge the freighter were initially made by the lifeboat 'Emmy Dyvi', but these attempts proved unsuccessful. Fortunately, around 10 p.m., the tugboat 'Hugin' successfully refloated the stricken vessel using the assistance of rising tides. Following the incident, the 'Kvitbjørns' was taken to the Rolls Royce Yard in Ullsteinvik for thorough inspections. Preliminary investigations suggest that a technical failure may have led to the grounding. In addition, the Sunnmøre police conducted drug tests on the crew, all of whom tested negative. For further details and visuals, you can explore Norwegian media coverage through the following links: [NRK](http://www.nrk.no/mr/lastebat-star-fast-pa-skjaer-1.12431641), [Sunnmörsposten](http://www.smp.no/nyheter/soere/article11253874.ece), [Vikebladet](http://www.vikebladet.no/nyhende/article11253836.ece#cxrecs_s), [Vikebladet](http://www.vikebladet.no/nyhende/article11254499.ece#cxrecs_s), [Vikebladet](http://www.vikebladet.no/nyhende/article11255832.ece), [Vikebladet](http://www.vikebladet.no/nyhende/article11254062.ece#cxrecs_s).

In a groundbreaking achievement for the maritime industry, Nor Lines’ Kvitbjørn has made history as the first vessel to travel exclusively on liquefied natural gas (LNG) between Asia and Europe. This remarkable journey involved a state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce pure-gas engine and highlights the potential of LNG as a sustainable marine fuel. The naming ceremony for the Kvitbjørn, a 5000dwt short sea cargo vessel designed according to Rolls-Royce's acclaimed Environship concept, took place in Stavanger. The vessel made its way to Norway after being constructed at Tsuji Heavy Industries in Jiangsu, China. Its voyage included vital LNG bunkering stops in locations such as Singapore, Cochin in India, and Cartagena in Spain. Completing its epic trip, Kvitbjørn reached Bergen on March 29, marking the longest journey ever undertaken by a ship powered exclusively by LNG. This achievement sets a precedent for greener shipping practices in the future.