LNG

Suardiaz receives multi-fuel Bunker Breeze

Shipping line Suardiaz Energy Shipping has taken delivery of its new multi-fuel bunker vessel, Bunker Breeze, from Zamakona shipyard in Bilbao. The 5,250-deadweight-tonne vessel features capacity for LNG bunker fuel via four cylindrical, deck-mounted, pressure vessel tanks, each of 300 cubic metres capcity. The vessel can also store up to 4,000 cubic metres of fuel oil and 1,000 cubic meters of marine diesel oil via 10 underdeck tanks. Development of the Bunker Breeze was supported financially by the European Union-backed Core LNGas hive initiative, which encourages distribution infrastructure development to allow the use of LNG as a transport fuel, especially for ships, on the Iberian Peninsula.

Singapore to strengthen role as LNG hub

Russian energy firm Novatek Authorities in Singapore have outlined plans to ensure it retains its regional crown as LNG bunkering hub moving forward. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is currently co-funding the construction of eight LNG-fuelled vessels that will serve in local waters and 15 truck-to-ship (TTS) LNG bunkering operations have so far been carried out. A working group, comprising the MPA and the Ports and Harbours Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, is currently assessing the feasibility of LNG bunkering for car carriers plying between Japan and Singapore.

Gazpromneft Marine Bunker registers ISO 20519

New specifications for bunkering of LNG-fuelled vessels have been registered by Gazpromneft Marine Bunker in Russia. “Gazpromneft Marine Bunker has translated and adapted international standard ISO 20519, Ships and marine technology – Specification for bunkering of liquefied natural gas fuelled vessels, adopted in 2017. This document has been listed on the Federal Register of Standards Applicable in the Russian Federation, Registration No 1175/ISO dated 29.08.2018” Elena Kapysh of Gazpromneft stated. The new document covers support for the IMO International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and sets requirements which are not covered by IGF and IGC Codes. “In particular it contains requirements to fuel transfer systems, operational procedures, training of personnel as well as reporting and documentation. The new standard specifies basic requirements to ships supplying/accepting bunker, to LNG bunkering procedure to be approved by port authorities basing on HAZID and HAZOP analysis of the LNG bunkering operation,” Kapysh added.

DNV GL launches Alternative Fuels Insight platform

Standards agency DNV GL is launching a new Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform offering a comprehensive and continually updated overview of LNG and alternative fuel projects, bunkering infrastructure, suppliers, and technologies. “Initial focus is on LNG bunkering infrastructure and uptake of LNG, scrubbers and batteries on ships, but other fuels are also covered to some extent. The platform consolidates a wealth of detailed technical information on these fuels and technologies, and both content and features will be further improved and expanded over time,” Martin Christian Wold, Senior Consultant at DNV GL, commented. Most of the information in the AFI platform will be free to access.

Yanmar supplies LNG tug engines

Japanese engine manufacturer Yanmar has delivered two engines to Kanagawa Dockyard for installation on the first LNG-fuelled tug constructed in Japan based on the IGF Code. The 6EY26DF dual-fuel commercial marine engines will be installed on a tug, under construction for Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), which will be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat. The tug is scheduled scheduled for completion in February 2019 and to begin operation commercially in April 2019.