The first simultaneous operation (SIMOPS) with LNG bunkering has taken place in the Port of Amsterdam.
In a joint effort between Titan LNG, Oiltanking Amsterdam and Furetank Chartering, Titan LNG’s FlexFueler001 delivered LNG to Älvtank’s tanker Ramelia whilst it unloaded cargo at the Oiltanking terminal in Amsterdam. This SIMOPS feat enables the receiving vessel to have a quicker turnaround in the port as it does not have to shift to a designated LNG bunkering location, such as the Titan LNG facility.
Daan van Rooijen, manager of operations at Oiltanking Amsterdam, commented: “Oiltanking is proud to facilitate the bunkering of LNG at our facility. The delivery was executed safely and efficiently by the professional staff of Titan and Furetank. The LNG bunkering did not cause any additional restrictions or delays on our ability to discharge the tanker Ramelia.”
Johan Kristensson, operations manager at Furetank Chartering, commented: “This first SIMOPS in Amsterdam is a real enabler for LNG as a marine fuel. Being able to bunker whilst working in a port not only saves turnaround time and money, it also has positive effects on the local environment since the emission involved in shifting operation is eliminated and it reduces working hours for the crew when we can avoid shifting. We hope that more terminals will follow shortly as it is clear that LNG bunkering is possible and allowed by the ports and the terminals.”
Titan LNG said it will continue to engage with various other terminals throughout the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region to ensure more SIMOPS can be realised.
Ramelia is the latest addition to the LNG-powered product tankers in the Gothia Tankers Alliance pool.
