Jensen Maritime, a unit of Crowley, said it has developed two new liquefied natural gas bunker barge concepts.
The first concept involves outfitting an existing barge with an above-deck LNG tank.
The concept can be further modified to accommodate more than one type of product, if a customer has a need for multiple liquid transfers. Advantages of this design include a fast turnaround and a reduced need to invest in specialized assets if a customer has short-term LNG requirements, Jensen said in a statement on Wedenesday.
The second concept is for a purpose-built, new bunker barge. Offering greater carrying capacity and improved visibility, the design features a larger LNG tank that is nestled inside of the barge, according to the statement.
Bunker barges offer an innovative solution for the maritime industry, which is currently struggling with the decision over which to develop first – LNG infrastructure or vessels.
These barges are an ideal resource for those who have LNG needs at ports not located near an LNG terminal or as an alternative to over-the-road transportation, Jensen said.
LNG World News Staff; Image: Crowley