Diversifying into LNG

Having operated all around the world with a variety of industry participants, Thenamaris has built an extensive network. Its strategy will be to encourage some of these contacts to show faith in its LNG operation, Murray is upbeat: “Our customers are more than satisfied with our performance so we are confident they will continue to work with us when it comes to LNG,” he says.

The company only entered the capital intensive LNG market when it felt that the right market conditions had emerged. Murray reiterates that the company is well placed to capitalise and says the main focus now is hiring employees with LNG experience.

“We are rigorously preparing so we can run a successful operation from the outset. We have the technical aspects in place and will use the services of a third-party manager to assist with the initial operation. We also realise that it is just as important to get the right people with LNG experience both onshore and offshore,” he says.

Thenamaris knows that its standing in the LNG sector will depend on the success of its first vessel. Its initial manning strategy will therefore be to contract with an experienced crew manager to provide LNG seafarers. However, in the long-term it will also train crewmembers from its tankers. Murray says that due to the company’s crew being highly experienced in tanker operations, this training will focus on the additional skills required for LNG operations.

“Our crew members’ experience in tankers gives them an excellent foundation from which to undertake training. A seafarer who has experience on tankers will have most of the skills needed on LNG carriers, but there are also additional and specific competencies like cargo handling and managing a more comprehensive control system and a high voltage electrical system, and these are the skills the training will address,” he explains. 

The crews will also receive training in the fully integrated Kongsberg control systems installed on the vessels.