Shell orders LNG bunkering vessel

DECEMBER 4, 2014 —Shell has ordered a 6,500 cu.m LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering vessel from South Korean shipbuilder STX Offshore & Shipbuilding  to deliver to LNG-fueled vessels in northwest Europe.

The new vessel will be based at the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and will load from the new LNG break bulk terminal and jetty to be constructed by the Gas Access to Europe (Gate) terminal. It will also seagoing and, therefore, able to bunker customers at other locations.

“This specialized LNG bunker vessel is good news,” said Maarten Wetselaar, Shell’s Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas. “Potential customers need to know that their LNG fuel will be delivered reliably and safely. Shell’s investment in this vessel, as well as commitment to buy capacity at the Gate terminal, underlines our confidence in LNG becoming a bigger part of the fuel mix.”

Shell says the vessel will be pioneering in design and will be highly efficient and maneuverable. Featuring an innovative transfer system and sub cooler unit, it will be able to load from big or small terminals and able to bunker a wide variety of customer vessels.

Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President of Shell Shipping & Maritime, explains: “We worked closely with customers on the specifications of this exciting new bunker vessel and will use cutting-edge technology. I am delighted to be working with STX on this project and Shell is proud to be leading in the development of LNG fuel in shipping.”