First ship-to-ship LNG bunkering

Ternsund (left) being bunkered with LNG by Coral Energy

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 — Bureau Veritas classed both vessels involved in the world’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation between two independent ocean-going vessels. It took place September 3, 2016, when M/T Ternsund, owned by Terntank Rederi A/S, based in Skagen, Denmark, bunkered LNG from Coral Energy, a 15,600 cu.m LNG vessel owned by Rotterdam headquartered Antony Veder and chartered by Skangas.

The operation was carried out at the entrance to the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The 15,000 dwt Ternsund is the world’s first LNG-fueled newbuilding oil/chemical tanker. It was built under BV class at the Avic Dingheng shipayard, China, and delivered to Terntank at the end of June 2016. Coral Energy is also built to BV class and was delivered in 2013.

Ship-to-ship bunkering is considered a key to adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. It is the standard bunkering mode adopted by the shipping industry for refueling ships, but last week’s operation is the first time ever that a cryogenic fuel has been ship-to-ship bunkered. It opens the way for ship-to-ship bunkering around the world, as unlike a fixed LNG terminal, the bunker vessel is not dependent on location, and can offer LNG as fuel to any receiving vessel.

Jean-François Segretain, Technical Director, Marine & Offshore Division, Bureau Veritas, said: “The ship-to-ship bunkering between Ternsund and Coral Energy represents a significant milestone in the adoption of LNG as marine fuel. Bureau Veritas has facilitated this major step through our dedicated rules and active participation in development of new international guidelines that encourage the adoption of clean fuel and enhance designs for new clean vessels.

This first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation will soon be followed by other LNG ocean-going bunker vessels classed by Bureau Veritas.

These include ENGIE bunker vessels operating from Zeebrugge, and a Sirius Veder Gas AB newbuild bunker vessel under construction at Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes.