Keppel O&M delivers world’s first smart LNG bunkering vessel

FueLNG Bellina [Photo: Keppel O&M]

Delivered by Keppel Offshore & Marine’s Nantong, China, shipyard on January 4, the 7,500 cubic meter bunker capacity FueLNG Bellina is not only Singapore’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel, but also the world’s first smart bunkering vessel.

The vessel is the second LNG bunkering vessel and fifth dual-fuel vessel delivered by Keppel O&M. Built for FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel O&M and Shell Eastern Petroleum, it will service to LNG-fueled vessels that call at the Port of Singapore.

Designed by Keppel O&M’s technology arm, Keppel Marine and Deepwater Technology (KMDTech), to its proprietary MTD 7500U LNG design, the vessel has a barge-like extended flat surface to provide bunker to a wide range of vessels. It is also highly maneuverable, minimizing tug utilization during bunkering operations and the attendant fuel consumption and emissions.

SMART NOTATIONS

The ABS-classed vessel is equipped with Keppel O&M’s proprietary AssetCare Digital Solution and features class notations for Smart Infrastructure (Smart INF) and Crew Assistance and Augmentation (Smart CAA). Obtaining these notations forms an integral part of the digital tools tailored by AssetCare to support FueLNG in enabling remote monitoring and real-time support of vessel operations, as well as predictive maintenance, which increases the vessel performance and efficiency.

The digital innovation has also extended to the construction and commissioning process for this vessel. One example is the use of Smart glasses for remote inspection, which increase yard efficiency while improving workforce safety throughout the inspection process especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Already a landmark project due to its importance to Singapore’s future as a global LNG bunkering hub, the addition of smart technology to the vessel makes it a milestone in the technological development of the industry as well,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology. “The smart functionality builds on the work we have previously done in this area with Keppel in the development of the industry’s first two new-build drilling rigs with smart notations. Together we are setting the pace in digital innovation in the marine and offshore industries.”

“We are proud to deliver the industry’s first LNG bunkering vessel with Smart Notations to FueLNG. Keppel O&M has been developing digital solutions for offshore and marine assets in recent years and our AssetCare solution reflects our commitment to leverage smart functions and technologies to continue creating value for our customers. We are glad to collaborate with ABS in spearheading this digital innovation in the offshore and marine space,” said Tan Leong Peng, Managing Director, Keppel O&M, New Builds.

“With this industry’s first smart LNG bunkering vessel, FueLNG Bellina enhances our value offering to global customers as we provide safe, cost-efficient and reliable LNG bunkering solutions. The vessel’s digital tools, such as AssetCare, not only improve vessel performance and maintenance but also enable the end-to-end digitalization of the bunkering process which enhances efficiency, reliability, and convenience for customers,” said Saunak Rai, FueLNG General Manager.