Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has signed a long-term charter contract to operate Asia’s largest (12,000m3-class) LNG bunkering vessel in Singapore.
The contract was signed with Pavilion Gas Pte Ltd. (PGPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pavilion Energy Pte Ltd.
LNG Fuel Supply Port
Demand for LNG as bunker fuel is expected to grow on a global scale as stricter SOx regulations take effect in January 2020. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) is focusing considerable effort on development of an LNG fuel supply infrastructure and implementing policies aimed at creating the world’s largest LNG fuel supply port.
Japan Works on Supply Framework
The Japanese government also concluded a “Memorandum of understanding in relation to the cooperation on the development of LNG as a marine fuel” with seven other countries, including Singapore. Since then, the Japanese government has worked closely with Singapore to promote the use of LNG fuel and develop a supply framework.
Private Sector Cooperation
MOL has proceeded on the project with PGPL to build a cooperative structure in the private sector. They have teamed with Sembcorp Marine Specialised Shipbuilding Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine Group, for construction of the vessels, and Sinanju Tankers Pte. Ltd., which is a major bunker barge company, for a partner in ship management.
LNG Bunkering Vessel
The new LNG Bunkering Vessel will be the second LNG bunkering vessel in Singapore and is slated to start services after its delivery to PGPL in early 2021. The vessel particulars are:
- Length: about 112 m
- Breadth: about 22 m
- LNG tank: membrane type (GTT Mark III)
- Shipyard: Sembcorp Marine Specialised Shipbuilding
- Tank capacity: 12,000 m3
- Main engine: 2 electric propulsion Azimuth Thrusters
- Speed: 11.5 knots
- Registry: Singapore
- Other: use of reliquefied boil-off gas generated in fuel tanks
Picture: LNG bunkering vessel supplying a containership.
