Shanghai shipyard launches Total LNG bunkering vessel

Total:"the transition from heavy fuel oil to LNG is a competitive, efficient and immediately available solution for maritime transportation."

Total reports that its first large liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker vessel has been launched. This follows the signing of a long-term charter contract between Total and Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) in February 2018.

After delivery in 2020, the bunker vessel will operate in Northern Europe, where it will supply LNG to commercial vessels, including 300,000 tons a year for CMA CGM’s nine ultra-large newbuild containerships for a period of at least 10 years.

Total says that, in the context of IMO’s decision to drastically limit the sulfur content of marine fuels from January 1, 2020, “the transition from heavy fuel oil to LNG is a competitive, efficient and immediately available solution for maritime transportation.”

Used as a marine fuel, notes Total, LNG sharply reduces emissions from ships, resulting in a significant improvement in air quality, particularly for communities in coastal areas and port cities.

LNG helps to cut:

• Sulfur emissions by 99%,
• Fine particle emissions by 99%,
• Nitrogen oxide emissions by 85%,
• Greenhouse gases emissions by around 20%.

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

Built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding at its shipyard near Shanghai, the 18,600 cubic meter capacity bunker vessel is fitted with innovative tank technologies provided by the French company GTT. Designed to be highly maneuverable, the 135-meter-long vessel will be able to operate safely in the ports and terminals considered. Lastly, notes Total, “she meets the highest environmental standards thanks to the use of LNG as fuel and complete reliquefaction of boil-off gas.”