In mid-October Total announced that its first large Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunker vessel had been launched. The news came following the signature of a long-term charter contract with Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) in February 2018.
Due for delivery in 2020, the bunker vessel will operate in Northern Europe, supplying LNG to commercial vessels. This will include 300,000 tons per year to the nine CMA CGM ultra-large newbuild containerships in Europe-Asia trade, for a minimum period of 10 years.
Speaking on the announcement, Momar Nguer, President, Marketing and Services at Total, said:
“Developing infrastructure like this giant bunker vessel is essential to allow LNG to become a widely used marine fuel. This first ship demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers both more environmentally friendly fuels and associated logistics. Thanks to this pioneering investment, Total is making a positive contribution to the sustainable evolution of global shipping.”
Built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding at its shipyard near Shanghai, the bunker vessel is fitted with innovative tank technologies, with a capacity of 18,600 cubic meters, provided by the French company GTT.
Designed to be highly maneuverable, the 135-meter-long vessel will be able to operate safely in the ports and terminals considered. Due to the use of LNG as fuel and the complete reliquefaction of the boil-off gas, the vessel meets the highest environmental standards.
Total is the second-largest private global LNG player, with an overall portfolio of around 40 million tons per year by 2020 and a global market share of 10%. With 22 million tons of LNG sold in 2018, Total has solid, diversified positions across the LNG value chain.