SE Asia LNG bunker vessel will aid growth

FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel O&M and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, will build the bunkering vessel valued at approximately S$50 million with a capacity of 7,500 cubic metres. It is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2020.

“As the world’s largest bunkering port, it is important that we support the development of LNG bunkering in our port to cater to future demand for LNG as a marine fuel,” said Andrew Tan, CEO of MPA.

Port backing

In order to fund the vessel, FueLNG will receive a grant of up to S$3 million as part of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme (LBPP).

The vessel will be built to the MTD 7500U LNG design, a proprietary design of Keppel O&M’s ship design and development arm, Marine Technology Development (MTD).

The vessel’s key features include high manoeuvrability which enables bunkering without tug assistance, as well as propulsion and power management systems that optimise fuel consumption.

Capable of running on both LNG and marine diesel oil, the LNG bunkering vessel is more efficient than conventional bunker vessels. It is able to harness boil-off gas, a by-product of bunkering operations as well as the continuously evaporating LNG in the cryogenic tank, which would otherwise be flared off.

It is also designed with a barge-like extended flat surface to maximise vessel compatibility which will enable FueLNG to deliver LNG bunkers to a wide range of vessels.

A twin screw azimuthing propulsion system also allows crabbing manoeuvre during bunkering operations, minimising tug utilisation and in turn reduces fuel consumption and emissions.