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Pioneering LNG Bunker Vessel On Order

Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions (TMFGS) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) have signed a long-term charter contract that will see the two firms operating a large LNG bunker vessel.

The ship, which will be some 18,600 sq m in size, is due to be delivered in 2020, with TMFGS aiming to use it to serve the marine LNG market, specifically for the container ship segment. This emerging area is expected to grow and this vessel will be the first ever that is in a position to supply large quantities of the fuel in a single bunkering operation.

MOL (Europe Africa) will manage the vessel, which is going to be constructed by Chinese firm Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

The organisations plan to use the vessel in Northern Europe. Despite its size, the ship will be highly maneuverable and will therefore be able to operate safely in harbours and terminals in the region.

Managing director of TMFGS Oliver Jouny commented: “This pioneer agreement offers a major contribution to the development of LNG as a marine fuel and illustrates Total’s strong commitment towards the use of this new fuel.”

LNG will be the fuel used to power this new bunkering vessel, while it will also have the capacity to completely reliquify boil-off gas.

One publication pointed out last month that the LNG infrastructure for shipping and using LNG as a marine fuel needs to be developed if it is to keep pace with the number of vessels currently on order that will use this as their main fuel.

If you’re looking for ATG systems for an LNG storage facility you’re operating, contact us to find out how we can be of assistance.