Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions (TMFGS) and Brittany Ferries (BAI) have put pen to paper on a multi-year contract to supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkers to the Honfleur in the port of Ouistreham, France. BAI recently confirmed its order for the new ship, the first LNG-powered French cruise ferry, Honfleur – named after the port town on the River Seine. The vessel will arrive in 2019 and serve the popular Portsmouth to Caen route.
The use of LNG will significantly enhance the environmental performance of vessels, with many owners – particularly in the passenger shipping segment and across the board with newbuildings – opting for LNG fueling solutions in order to curb emissions and operate efficiently. This fueling solution ensures that vessels, including the Honfleur, are fully compliant with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) impending 0.1% Sulphur Emissions Control Area (SECA) regulations, due to come into force in 2020. TMFGS is supporting the growth of this new marine fuel and has been working tirelessly to develop highly efficient, cost effective and flexible LNG bunkering solutions for the full range of LNG-fueled vessels.
In the longer term, LNG bunkering and the use of LNG as transportation fuel for marine fleets could provide a sustainable alternative to diesel. In addressing the lack of LNG infrastructure, TMFGS has taken a lead and partnered with two other French companies to implement an innovative supply chain using ISO containers for LNG bunkering.
- The agreement with Dunkerque LNG covers the construction of an automated truck loading dock where the containers will be filled with LNG.
- The agreement with Groupe Charles André (CGA) covers the supply and transportation of ISO containers equipped with geolocation trackers and pressure sensors.
Transported by truck from the LNG terminal of Dunkirk to the port of Ouistreham, the containers will be lifted aboard the cruise ferry using onboard cranes, to supply a fixed LNG storage tank at the rear of the superstructure. Once empty, the containers will be off-loaded at the next call at Ouistreham and replaced by full containers.
Total is also active in marine lubricants, which it markets under the Total Lubmarine brand. Total Lubmarine recognises the importance of ship operators’ need to function at an optimal level whilst adhering to regulation, environmental legislation, technical challenges such as new engine designs and the need to combat cold corrosion. The stakes are simply too high for ship operators to take risks. Investing in high-quality lubricants that protect a ship engine, particularly if using a duel-fuel LNG engine, when switching fuels from HFO to LNG should be of utmost importance.
Total Lubmarine produces first-class lubricant products to meet these demands and offer flexible solutions through a number of its cylinder lube oil such as Talusia LS 25, Talusia Universal 100 to the new Talusia Optima.
Talusia Optima was designed specifically to facilitate fuel switching when transiting both in and outside of ECAs, without the need to change lubricants. It is based on an innovative and new type of chemistry known as Ashfree Neutralizing Molecules (ANM). The new technology provides fast and effective acid neutralization without any undesired mineral deposit build up. High quality mineral components are used in combination with ANM to provide detergency and cleanliness. The product is suitable for use with fuels ranging in sulphur content from 0-3.5%.
Total Lubmarine offers technical support to its customers in more than 100 locations globally, and keeps abreast of sustainability trends, new engine design features and legislation. With a team of experienced technical advisers who provide ship-owners and operators with tailor made services to meet their demands in an ever changing market.