Shell has confirmed its plans to construct a specialised LNG bunker vessel to ship to LNG-fueled ships in northwest Europe.

The new vessel shall be primarily based on the port of Rotterdam within the Netherlands, and can load from the brand new LNG break bulk terminal and jetty to be constructed by the Gas Access to Europe (Gate) terminal. The vessel may also be sea-going so due to this fact will be capable of bunker prospects at different areas.

“This specialized LNG bunker vessel is good news,” stated Maarten Wetselaar, Shell’s Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas. “Potential customers need to know that their LNG fuel will be delivered reliably and safely. Shell’s investment in this vessel, as well as commitment to buy capacity at the Gate terminal, underlines our confidence in LNG becoming a bigger part of the fuel mix.”

The vessel itself shall be constructed by STX Offshore & Shipbuilding. It could have a capability to hold 6,500 cubic meters of LNG gas and shall be extremely environment friendly and maneuverable. It will function an modern switch system and sub cooler unit, making it able to loading from large or small terminals and capable of bunker all kinds of buyer vessels – together with containerships, ferries and coastal vessels.

Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President of Shell Shipping & Maritime, explains: “We worked closely with customers on the specifications of this exciting new bunker vessel and will use cutting-edge technology. I am delighted to be working with STX on this project and Shell is proud to be leading in the development of LNG fuel in shipping.”

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