A unit of the Hague-based energy giant Shell has signed a deal with dredging company Van der Kamp to supply liquefied natural gas to a new LNG-powered vessel.
Under the deal, Shell Western LNG B.V. will supply the chilled fuel to the new vessel, named Ecodelta , that is currently being built at the Dutch yard Barkmeijer.
The vessel is expected to start operations in 2018 – keeping Rotterdam’s port basins at the right depth until 2023.
There are currently no LNG-powered dredgers in operation around the globe and the Ecodelta will be among the first. Belgian company DEME has three of these vessels on order with Dutch shipyard Royal IHC.
“This agreement shows the continued momentum of LNG as a fuel option. LNG is now an effective alternative to traditional fuels for ships around the world, and we are ready to supply customers in northwest Europe. Working together in close collaboration with companies like Van der Kamp will help enable the move to a cleaner, more efficient shipping sector in the future,” said Lauran Wetemans, Shell’s General Manager Downstream LNG.
Since October 2015, Shell has had access to import and storage capacity at the Gate LNG terminal located in the port of Rotterdam, allowing the company to supply LNG to marine and road transport customers in northwest Europe.
The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and a key location for bunkering operations, giving the Gate terminal an advantaged position to serve customers in the marine and road sector.