LNG

UECC assigns LNG-fuelled PCTC to new North Sea route

Norwegian roll-on/roll-off shipping line United European Car Carriers (UECC) has launched a new North Sea service, announcing plans to deploy one of its two new multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid vessels on the route. The new service will connect the ports of Zeebrugge, Esbjerg, Gothenburg and Drammen on a weekly basis. It will initially be served by the pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) Minchah before being replaced by a new LNG-fuelled PCTC currently under construction. “UECC is very pleased to launch this new North Sea service, and finally adding Denmark to our pan European short sea shipping network, as well as adding Gothenburg as our third port of call in Sweden in addition to our existing service to Malmo and Wallhamn, enabling us to provide our customers with a wider ranging sustainable product” Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC, said.

GTT to design fuel tanks for four LNG-fuelled container vessels

Naval engineering group Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has secured an order from Korean shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to design cryogenic fuel tanks for four LNG-fuelled container vessels. The deal will see GTT supply Mark III membrane containment technology, for the mid-size container vessels which are scheduled for delivery between the second and fourth quarter of 2024. “In addition to the engineering services and technical assistance at the shipyard, GTT will assist the operator throughout every step of its first LNG-fuelled projects (commissioning of the LNG tank, first LNG bunkering operations, specific LNG operations and maintenance of the vessels). Moreover, GTT will provide LNG training for the crews, supported by its proprietary G-Sim® training simulator, which replicates the future LNG operations of the vessels,” a spokesperson for GTT said.

UK’s first LNG-fuelled ferry reaches Bilbao

The UK’s first LNG-fuelled ferry has completed its maiden voyage to Bilbao, bunkering for the first time at the LNG refuelling station at the Spanish port. The Salamanca is operated by Brittany Ferries and is the first LNG-powered vessel to join its fleet. “LNG-powered ships like Salamanca are a clear statement of our commitment to the future and to fleet renewal,” Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, said. “Salamanca is capable of running on future fuels like e-methane or bio-methane if these become available in volume. Either has the potential to cut carbon footprint significantly, in addition to the cleaner air that LNG-power brings from day one.” The Salamanca will make two voyages from Portsmouth to Bilbao per week as well as a weekly return voyage to Cherbourg in France.