LNG

Excelerate, Equinor complete first STS LNG transfer in Bahamas

Fuel specialist Excelerate Energy and oil and gas major Equinor Energy have completed the first ever ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in The Bahamas. The bunkering operation was carried out between Excelerate's floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) Exemplar and Equinor's LNG carrier Arctic Voyager. "Excelerate conducted the industry's first commercial STS transfer of LNG in 2007, and since then, STS transfers have been completed and proven safe in a wide range of environments, now including The Bahamas. This new STS location allows us to provide additional commercial flexibility to our customers and respond to prompt market needs in a safe and reliable manner,” Daniel Bustos, Excelerate's Chief Commercial Officer, said. The procedure involved transfer of a full LNG cargo, with fuel transferred using a double-banked LNG transfer system while the vessels were moored at Equinor's South Riding Point storage and transshipment terminal. To date, Excelerate has successfully transferred over 170,900,000 cubic meters of LNG using its STS protocol, with over 1,300 involving third-party vessels.

Algeciras plans LNG bunkering expansion

Authorities at the Port of Algeciras in Spain have announced plans to expand LNG bunkering operations as it forecasts that demand for LNG, from vessels operating in the Strait of Gibraltar, will hit approximately 1.8 million cubic meters by 2030. Speaking at the recent CORE LNGas Hive Conference III, general director of the Port Authority of Algeciras (APBA), José Luis Hormaechea, highlighted the important role the port intends to play in the supply picture. The commitment follows an agreement with utility company Gas Natural Fenosa for LNG supply to the port of Algeciras, with an option to extend to all peninsular ports.

Klaipėda announces LNG Forum

Authorities at the port of Klaipėda are to host an LNG forum as part of a drive to cement the port’s position as an LNG distribution and technology development centre serving the Baltic Sea region. An estimated 200 participants from Lithuania and abroad have registered for the event over the course of two days. The Port of Klaipėda is one of the few ice-free ports in northernmost Europe, and the largest in Lithuania.