The first ship-to-containership Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering operation in Asia was undertaken recently by CMA CGM, a world leader in shipping and logistics, and FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). A containership, CMA CGM SCANDOLA, has been fuelled with 7,100m3 of LNG from FueLNG Bellina, Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel. (Photo quoted from CMA CGM’s website)
Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs, Mr Chee Hong Tat, attended the launch of the bunkering operation held on March 24. Mr Chee said, “The use of more sustainable fuels is an important element of the decarbonisation strategy. As the shipping industry explores alternative zero-carbon fuels, LNG is a viable transitional fuel. As a global bunkering hub, we are pleased to partner CMA CGM, FueLNG, Keppel Offshore & Marine and Shell Eastern Petroleum, to provide more sustainable bunkering solutions for the shipping industry. It also marks another major milestone as Asia’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation with simultaneous cargo operations.”
CMA CGM SCANDOLA is the first of six new 15,000-TEU LNG-powered container ships which CMA CGM Group has lined-up to be bunkered in Singapore this year. These ships will be deployed on CMA CGM’s MEX 1 service between Asia and the Mediterranean.
It is also the first vessel in Asia to conduct simultaneous container loading and discharging operations alongside LNG bunkering operations, shortening port stay time. From Singapore, she will set sail with over 14,800 (twenty-foot equivalent units) containers, comprising household goods, electronic items, machinery and personal protection equipment for the Mediterranean.
This is also the first ship-to-ship operation for FueLNG Bellina. Designed and built by Keppel O&M, the 7,500m3 FueLNG Bellina provides more options for shipowners and operators to bunker LNG in Singapore. FueLNG aims to provide a total of about 30 to 50 ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations in 2021, extending its track record of over 300 truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations so far.
This ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation by CMA CGM and FueLNG underscores the companies’ commitment to contribute to Singapore’s ambition to become a leading LNG bunkering hub in Asia.
LNG is currently the best and immediately available solution that can reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport and preserve air quality. It enables a reduction of 99% in sulfur dioxide, 91% in particulate matter emissions and 92% in nitrogen oxide emissions, far surpassing the requirements of current regulations. LNG also provides an initial solution to the challenge of tackling climate change. An LNG-powered vessel emits up to 20% less CO2 than conventional marine fuel-powered systems.
According to Shell’s LNG Outlook report, global LNG bunkering demand is estimated to grow to 30 to 50 million tons per annum (MTPA) by 2040. Presently there are about 400 LNG-fuelled vessels in operation or on order, with an expected demand of LNG as marine fuel of nearly 3.5 MTPA.
(IRuniverse)
