Coral Methane makes LNG bunkering debut by fueling AIDAnova
Written by Nick BlenkeyJANUARY 19, 2019 — Anthony Veder’s Coral Methane successfully completed her first LNG bunkering operation January 16 when she fueled AIDAnova, AIDA Cruises’ newest ship and the cruise industry’s first ship to be LNG fueled at sea and in port. The operation took place at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Coral Methane is a 7,500 cu.m vessel that has been modified from an ethylene/LNG carrier to serve as an LNG bunkering vessel for Shell. The modification project, managed by Anthony Veder, took twelve months. It not only required engineering and technical works, but also getting the necessary bunkering licenses for the various ports.
The project also involved a review of all necessary operational procedures to ensure compliance with the SGMF (Society for Gas as Marine Fuel) recommendations and guidelines.
To guarantee safe bunkering operations, the crew was familiarized with all the necessary equipment and procedures, as were personnel from Shell, AIDA Cruises and AIDA’s parent Carnival Corporation.
Built in 2009, Coral Methane‘s design incorporates Azipull thrusters that give the vessel high maneuverability and fuel efficiency. Its flexibility provides the necessary conditions to operate as an LNG bunkering vessel. Modifications such as the installed hose transfer system enable the ship to perform safe bunkering operations while a boil-off gas management system provides a sustainable solution for efficient use of natural gas and carbon emission reductions.
“We believe LNG is today’s most sustainable marine fuel. The delivery of Coral Methane as an LNG bunker vessel, in partnership with Shell, underlines our dedication to LNG and marks the next step in our contribution to a sustainable supply chain,” says Klaas Kerssemakers, Chief Operating Officer of Anthony Veder. “The success of this project is due to an excellent cooperation with all parties involved, from the engineering phase up to and including our first LNG bunkering operation.”
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