March 16, 2016
The World’s First MEGI Newbuilding Successfully Delivered
On February 29, 2016, the Creole Spirit – Teekay’s very first M-type, Electronically Controlled, Gas Injection (MEGI)-Type LNG carrier – was successfully delivered to Cheniere Marketing. This is a major milestone in Teekay LNG Partners’ (TGP) expansion plans, as we enter a long phase of vessel deliveries. MEGI vessels are designed to be significantly more fuel-efficient and have lower emission levels than other engines currently being used in LNG shipping. Operating a MEGI class LNG ship should see a significant saving in overall operational cost to any Owner and Charterer. At Teekay, we take the delivery of the world’s first LNG MEGI newbuild very seriously. Creole Spirit has the most modern technology installed on board. All the vessel’s officers have spent long hours on several courses and simulators learning all the systems we have. They are ready! Captain Jacek Polak, the man at the helm of Creole Spirit, took a moment to reflect on his experience on board: “The vessel is fantastic, better than any I have worked on so far. Nothing is unfamiliar for the officers and crew on board. Senior Officers have been assigned to this vessel since the very first stage of its construction. We know all the equipment on board and the reason why it was installed.”Let’s take a look back at the journey of the Creole Spirit:
Contract Signing with DSME
July 26, 2013 – The newbuilings contracts were signed between Teekay LNG Partners and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). These events entail a lot of paperwork, exchanging gifts and raising a toast to a successful project.
 Shaking hands to celebrate a successful contract |
 The Teekay and the DSME teams |
Keel Laying
March 4, 2014 – The yard team methodically and meticulously laid the keel and constructed the blocks and tanks of the vessel.
 Laying the keel on the Creole Spirit |
 The keel laying ceremony of Creole Spirit |
Installation of the First MEGI Engine
March 14, 2015 – Approximately 10 days after the keel laying ceremony, the MEGI engine was installed on the Creole Spirit.
 The workings of the MEGI engine |
 Installing the MEGI engine into the vessel |
Launch to sea
May 29, 2015 – The Creole Spirit was floated out at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard in preparation for the installation of the cargo containment system.
 Creole Spirit is launched at sea |
 Creole Spirit sea launch |
Sea & Gas Trials
December 10, 2015 – Creole Spirit successfully completed Sea and Gas Trials having loaded LNG at Tongyeong LNG terminal and with over 200 technicians on board to prove all system works well. The team on-board showed great team spirit during the busy and packed trials – “We enjoyed our colleagues’ company learning/sleeping in two cabins … 9 persons in 2 cabins.” Capt. Polak expressed his excitement about this significant milestone, noting the Creole Spirit is “very fast, reliable and maneuverable – I have enjoyed the sea trials… can’t wait to get her to work.”
 Creole Spirit crew getting cozy during the trials |
 Creole Spirit crew getting cozy during the trials |
Delivery
February 29, 2016 – Creole Spirit was delivered to Cheniere Charterers on 29th February whilst the vessel was safely afloat and underway on her maiden voyage from the Janseungpo Anchorage in South Korea to Singapore under the command of Capt. Jacek Polak.
 Creole Spirit successfully delivered to Cheniere |
 Creole Spirit successfully delivered to Cheniere |