Asias LNG bunkering first

CMA CGM Scandola was fuelled with 7,100m3 of LNG from FueLNG Bellina, Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel. The operation by CMA CGM and FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, was hosted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

“The use of LNG as a marine fuel is fast gaining traction worldwide amid a global push to use cleaner shipping fuels,“ said Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of MPA.

Singapore gains LNG traction

CMA CGM Scandola is the first of six new 15,000-TEU LNG-powered containerships which CMA CGM Group has lined-up to be bunkered in Singapore this year. It is also the first vessel in Asia to conduct simultaneous container loading and discharging operations alongside LNG bunkering operations, shortening port stay time. This is also the first ship-to-ship operation for FueLNG Bellina.

Ms Ley Hoon added: “As the world’s top bunkering and transshipment hub port, MPA is pleased that we are able to facilitate Asia’s very first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation with simultaneous cargo operations. We will continue to work with the industry to promote LNG bunkering in Singapore and drive the transition to more sustainable shipping.”

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.