Shell has contracted STX Offshore & Shipbuilding to build a special bunker vessel to serve ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The bunker vessel will be based in the port of Rotterdam where it will make use of the LNG breakbulk terminal and jetty to be built by the Gas Access to Europe (Gate).
The vessel will be LNG-powered, and will have the capacity to carry 6,500 m3 of LNG. The vessel will feature an innovative transfer system, enabling it to use both large and small LNG terminals.
“This specialized bunker vessel for LNG is good news,” said Martin Wetselaar, Executive Vice President, Shell Integrated Gas. “Potential customers want assurance that their LNG supply is reliable and can be safely delivered. Shell’s investment in this ship, but also the commitment to buy capacity at the Gate terminal, emphasizes our confidence in the increasing share of LNG in the fuel mix. “
LNG is an emerging, competitive and moreover cleaner fuel for shipping. It can contribute to the reduction of sulfur emissions, particulates and nitrogen oxides compared to conventional marine fuels. The development of LNG as a fuel option depends partly on the availability of infrastructure and distribution network.
Press Release