Mesabi Miner LNG Conversion

[Guest]

just a thought... if the miner is lengthened to accomodate lng, and if this fuel is lighter than the typical deisel, and the deisel tanks are removed... will this mean increased cargo capacity assuming all else remains equal?

ps. sorry for the capitalization issues. verizon updated my phone and it doesn't let me use caps any longer.

[Guest]

I see the only mention of a refueling center is one being built in Sarnia. I would assume that this would prohibit the Mesabi Miner from operating extensively on Lake Michigan. It would seem that refueling by tanker truck would be impractical. If this is true, it is possible that she could replace the Paul R. Tregurtha on the SMET coal run between Superior and St. Clair / Monroe. We will have to see what comes of this project.

[JB]

I'm guessing that, since the LNG tanks are planned on being installed on deck, that retrofitting them within the hull is largely cost-prohibitive/infeasible?

[guest II]

I hope this isn't a question: Considering the cold temperatures involved, is there any possibility of using that 'cold' to make hot crews' quarters more comfortable?

[Randy S]

From looking at the tank placement, it seems that the tanks would need some type of protection against the corrosive and heat effects (if any) from the stack exhausts.

The tanks will be heavily insulated. LNG is typically stored at -260F. This adds another factor - if a leak were to occur, the frigid liquid could affect the steel it comes in contact with, making it as brittle as a cheap cracker. I am still worried about another aspect of the conversion - Leaks can be almost impossible to detect because the LNG is colorless and odorless - however, it rises and dissapates rapidly in air.

[Guest]

The tanks are very sturdy and should be able to handle exposure to the elements around them. I had experience with a LNG powered Class B Truck that was involved in a T-Bone type accident where the truck was struck on the side that had the fuel tank. The side of the truck (including the frame) was caved in 2 feet - but the tank survived with no leaks. This is not new technology, as it has been in use for truck and other road vehicles for many years.

[Guest]

From looking at the tank placement, it seems that the tanks would need some type of protection against the corrosive and heat effects (if any) from the stack exhausts.

[Denny]

Guest, you are indeed correct as I completely forgot about the size of the Poe Lock and yes, it is indeed 1200 feet in length and the maximum length for a ship is up to 1100 feet to use the Poe. Thanks for correcting us on that one as I did know it but, just got busy and forgot about it. Anyway, as far as the diagram of the Miner someday, "That is one ugly in my opinion looking ship and I hope the Miner and the other LNG conversions do not end up like that!" I want to remember what these ships look like now and not after the LNG conversions. Also, will the Miner then after this is done be the "new Queen of the Lakes and surpass the current Queen at 1,014 feet?" Just how much longer than will the Miner be once the LNG conversion is completed? Thanks for any information.

[Guest]

There is nothing mentioned about the Miner being lengthened from the article in today's News. Can you please verify where you may have heard that? They cannot lengthen too many 1,000 footers as the Poe Lock is only 1100 feet in length and they can barely squeeze their full length into them now. Even the Mac Lock some of the 730-footers can barely squeeze into that lock. So, I would not think any plans are in the works to lengthen the Miner or any other of Interlake's 1,000 footers for that matter. Basically I say it is "out with the old engines and in with the new LNG engines."

In the illustration posted there appears to be a large extension from the stern that is holding the LNG tanks.

From looking at the illustration, it definitely appears that an extension to the Mesabi Miner's hull would be necessary for the tanks. The placement, however, seems to put them in a vulnerable position in the event of another boat colliding with the stern. Does anyone know of any accidents involving LNG powered ships?

[Coalburner]

You may see the fuel consumption of both gas and diesel here:

http://marine.cat.com/cda/files/897001/ ... t_2012.pdf

[Randy S]

I just wonder what the fuel mixture will be? The Cummins powered Kenworths in our fleet use 95% LNG and 5% diesel.

[Guest]

The Poe Lock is 1200' long and I believe that the maximum permitted length is 1100'. The footers actually have room to be significantly longer and if I'm not mistaken, the Cleveland Cliff's steam turbine proposal before the bottom fell out back in 1980 would have been 1100' in length had it been built.

So if Interlake needs to lengthen any of these LNG conversions, they have plenty of room to play with.

[Guest]

There is nothing mentioned about the Miner being lengthened from the article in today's News. Can you please verify where you may have heard that? They cannot lengthen too many 1,000 footers as the Poe Lock is only 1100 feet in length and they can barely squeeze their full length into them now. Even the Mac Lock some of the 730-footers can barely squeeze into that lock. So, I would not think any plans are in the works to lengthen the Miner or any other of Interlake's 1,000 footers for that matter. Basically I say it is "out with the old engines and in with the new LNG engines."

In the illustration posted there appears to be a large extension from the stern that is holding the LNG tanks.

[Denny]

There is nothing mentioned about the Miner being lengthened from the article in today's News. Can you please verify where you may have heard that? They cannot lengthen too many 1,000 footers as the Poe Lock is only 1100 feet in length and they can barely squeeze their full length into them now. Even the Mac Lock some of the 730-footers can barely squeeze into that lock. So, I would not think any plans are in the works to lengthen the Miner or any other of Interlake's 1,000 footers for that matter. Basically I say it is "out with the old engines and in with the new LNG engines."

[ds]

Will the Mesabi Miner's conversion to LNG lengthen the vessel? If so, will Mesabi Miner's length be longer than the Paul R?