The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) signed a joint development program (JDP) with probunkers for the technical support on the design of the fleet of LNG bunkering vessels.
Based in Athens, probunkers aims to design, build, own and operate a fleet of LNG supply vessels in seven ports initially, Houston, Rotterdam (or, alternatively, Antwerp), Gibraltar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Busan and Fujairah.
“With its low sulfur emissions, LNG is an attractive proposition for shipowners and operators responding to the 2020 Sulphur Cap. However, lack of bunkering infrastructure has been one of the key constraints on its adoption,” ABS vice president for global business development, Peter Fitzpatrick said.
ABS will work with probunkers to provide regulatory compliance guidance for the fleet as well as define applicable rules and standards, the classification society said in its statement.
ABS will also identify technical and operational challenges and advise on technological solutions in a range of areas including, but not limited to, capacity, dimensions of the vessels in relation to port restrictions, required power and speed, propulsion and maneuvering systems.
Suitability analysis of available technologies for cargo containment, LNG handling & transfer systems and boil-off handling systems is also a significant aspect of the JDP, the statement reads.