Total and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines name world’s largest LNG bunkering vessel

The first LNG bunker vessel owned by Emerald Green Maritime Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Gas Agility is chartered by Total’s affiliate Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions (TMFGS).

In February 2018, TMFGS and MOL signed the time charter party for this epoch-making LNG bunkering vessel, with construction starting in China in November 2018 at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s yard. Delivered in April 2020, the Gas Agility meets the highest technical and environmental standards, using LNG as a propulsion fuel, and integrating a complete re-liquefaction of the boil-off gas.

“We are delighted to have officially named Gas Agility as she embarks on a new chapter in delivering cleaner marine fuels. Her arrival in Rotterdam marks the culmination of 3 years of dedicated work with MOL and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, to plan, build, and create a major development in global marine LNG fuel supply,” said Jérôme Leprince-Ringuet, Managing Director of Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions. “Gas Agility is a clear demonstration of our ongoing drive to develop key logistical LNG infrastructures in the main bunkering hubs around the world, helping the shipping industry make the move to a more sustainable fuel solution,” he added.

With its pioneering design and innovative equipment, the Gas Agility is an industry premiere made possible by a strong collaboration between the shipyard, the owner, the charterer, and many partners, including Bureau Veritas and GTT.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people who have been involved in the project. I am very confident that our endeavour will be the great milestone and the turning point in this rapidly changing world. The transition from heavy fuel oil to LNG is competitive, environmentally efficient and an immediately available solution for maritime transportation. By providing the capacity to deliver LNG as a marine fuel, this partnership will be the leader in transition to a more fuel-efficient industry,” said Takeshi Hashimoto, Executive Vice President of MOL.

In December 2019, TMFGS and MOL signed a long-term charter contract for a second large LNG bunker vessel, to be delivered in 2021. The vessel will be positioned in the Marseille-Fos area in France to supply LNG as a marine fuel within the Mediterranean area.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/22092020/total-and-mitsui-osk-lines-name-worlds-largest-lng-bunkering-vessel/