LNG

KPI OceanConnect, the international maritime fuel provider, has cooperated with Dutch LNG bunkering player Titan Clean Energy to re-fuel a Pure Car and Truck Carrier for the first time at the northwest German port of Emden near the North Sea coast of East Frisia.

The PCTC vessel is named “Emden” after the port and is owned by SFL Corp., the Hamilton, Bermuda-based shipping company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

“The success of the operation performed by Titan with the collaboration of KPI OceanConnect and SFL, highlights the flexibility and efficiency of all parties, and their shared commitment to ensuring a smooth bunkering process,” said a statement.

The three companies said they collectively recognised LNG as “a crucial component” of the future fuel mix for the maritime industry.

China newbuild

The LNG dual-fuel PCTC was delivered in September 2023 from the Chinese shipbuilders Guangzhou Shipbuilding International Co.

The vessel has a total length of 200 metres is 38 metres at the beam and has a design draft of 8.6 metres and a speed of 19 knots. The “Emden” has 13 decks and can carry about 7,000 cars.

“We are incredibly proud of the trust displayed in us by a forward-thinking owner such as SFL, and delighted to have partnered with a world-class supplier, Titan, to complete this supply of 3,000 cubic metres of LNG,” said Jesper Sørensen, Global Head of Alternative Fuels at KPI OceanConnect.

“This significant achievement underscores KPI OceanConnect's unwavering commitment to supporting the growing role of LNG in the shipping industry's energy transition,” Sørensen added.

“The operation marks our inaugural LNG deal for a car carrier - testament to the company's dedication to advancing sustainability through partnerships up and down the supply chain,” stated Sørensen.

Michael Schaap, Commercial Director of Amsterdam-based Titan, noted that demand for LNG was rising and becoming a mainstream fuel since it is widely available and enables ship operators to reduce emissions now.

“This operation highlights our commitment to consistently serve our clients as a trustworthy provider of cleaner fuels and we look forward to continuing to enhance our LNG and bio-LNG bunkering capabilities as the market grows,” Schaap added.

ČEZ Group, the national utility of the land-locked European Union member, the Czech Republic, said it received US LNG as its first shipment at the new Eemshaven LNG import hub in the Netherlands.