Total launches first large LNG bunker vessel

Following its delivery next year, the bunker vessel will operate in Northern Europe, where it will supply LNG to commercial vessels, including 300 000 tpy for CMA CGM’s nine ultra-large newbuild containerships in Europe-Asia trade, for a period of at least 10 years. According to the statement, the construction of the bunker vessel is in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new regulations coming into force next year. In this context, the transition from heavy fuel oil to LNG is a competitive, efficient and immediately available solution for maritime transportation.

Momar Nguer, President for Total Marketing & Services, said: “Developing infrastructure like this giant bunker vessel is essential to allow LNG to become a widely used marine fuel.

“This first ship demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers both more environmentally friendly fuels and the associated logistics. Thanks to this pioneering investment, Total is making a positive contribution to the sustainable evolution of global shipping.”

The vessel was built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding at its shipyard near Shanghai, China. It features innovative tank technologies, with a capacity of 18 600 m³, provided by GTT. Designed to be highly manoeuvrable, the 135-meter-long vessel will be able to operate safely in the ports and terminals considered. It meets the highest environmental standards thanks to the use of LNG as fuel and complete reliquefaction of boil-off gas.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/18102019/total-launches-first-large-lng-bunker-vessel/