2021 a ‘defining year’ for LNG Research consultancy Wood Mackenzie predicts that 2021 will be a ‘defining year’ for the LNG industry as policymakers drive forward change around the globe. “Decarbonising natural gas will become a strategic priority for the gas industry,” Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president at Wood Mackenzie, said. “Following a raft of LNG project cancellations last year, current high prices will have emboldened LNG developers. However, for new projects to be developed, contract activity will need to pick up. Buyers will be looking to assess their portfolio requirements and just how comfortable they are in committing for new long-term firm LNG vs increasing their spot market exposure.” Titan, NYK sign Green Zeebrugge charter agreement Fuel specialist Titan LNG and shipping firm NYK Line have signed a charter agreement for the LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge. The agreement will see Titan LNG charter the vessel from February for the bunkering of LNG in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region. “We are excited to announce the chartering of the Green Zeebrugge. January has proven exceptionally busy, underlining the timeliness of our decision to secure this additional capacity. Titan LNG carried out seven LNG operations during one weekend, three of which were to large crude shuttle tankers from Equinor, a term contract partner of Titan’s. Using the Green Zeebrugge we were able to ensure safe and timely deliveries to all the vessels,” Michael Schaap, Commercial Director at Titan LNG, commented. Venice LNG facility gains approval Authorities in Italy’s Veneto Region have approved plans for the construction and operation of a new LNG terminal and bunkering infrastructure. Supported by the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority and co-financed by the European Commission under the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) initiative the Venice LNG Facility represents €18.5 million investment and is expected to include significant LNG bunkering infrastructure. Wärtsilä Extends Golar dual-fuel maintenance agreement Engine manufacturer Wärtsilä has signed a agreement with Golar Management Norway for maintenance on 16 dual-fuel LNG carriers. The five-year extension contract includes four vessels with Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines and two with 34DF and Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines. “We are pleased to continue our long-term partnership with Wärtsilä with this service agreement extension. Wärtsilä’s digital remote support capabilities have proved to be of great value for us, saving both time and costs by often eliminating the need to have service people sent onboard in person.” Øistein Dahl, Managing Director of Golar Management Norway, said. The agreement includes dynamic maintenance planning and asset diagnostics, under a predictive maintenance strategy and is complimented by round-the-clock remote support and advice from Wärtsilä Expertise Centres. |