‘First’ LNG bunker barges for US

Currently, no LNG bunkering barges are in operation in American waterways so LNG America says this contract marks a significant step in its build-out of LNG bunkering infrastructure along the US Gulf Coast and in delivering a new clean fuel to the maritime industry.

Johan Sperling, vice president, Jensen Maritime, said: “The significance of this agreement is not only incredible news for the marine industry, which struggles with whether to develop LNG infrastructure or vessels first, but also for companies along the US Gulf that hope to replace their traditional vessels with cleaner, more efficient LNG-powered ones.”

The vessels have been designed with an initial capacity of up to 3,000m³ of LNG. Once in operation, they will serve the dual purpose of moving LNG from LNG America’s Louisiana supply source to coastal-based storage and distribution terminals in directly bunkering large ships.

Jensen first produced prototype designs for LNG vessels in 2008. Additionally, the company has developed designs for an LNG tugboat ad is currently working on several other prototype designs of LNG bunker vessels, harbour tugs, ATBs, container ships and tankers, along with inland vessels for customers in the US.

LNG America was set up in July 2013 to develop LNG distribution infrastructure that serves the marine market and the burgeoning use of LNG n the oil and gas, rail, mining and heavy-duty trucking markets.

The bunker barges are expected to be delivered in late 2015.