LNG

Authorities in Singapore have reported a significant surge in LNG bunker demand for 2024, solidifying the nation's status as a global leader in bunkering operations.

Terminals in Spain more than doubled the amount of LNG they bunkered last year, according to the latest data from gas specialist Enagás.

China has strengthened its presence in the European LNG sector, with the launch of the first bunkering operation on the continent by China Marine Bunker (Chimbusco).

The state-owned supplier of marine fuel completed its first bunkering operation at the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium late last year and is now targeting further expansion in Europe.

“This marked the first time that Chimbusco completed an LNG bunkering operation in Europe, signalling the official expansion of its green energy services to overseas markets,” a spokesperson for the firm said.

Established in 1972, Chimbusco is a subsidiary of PetroChina, one of the largest oil and gas producers and distributors in the world.

Favoured fuel choice

The bunker firm supplied LNG to the Peony Leader, a state-of-the-art LNG dual-fuel car carrier, with 12 decks and capacity of 7,000 CEU.

“In recent years, while excelling in traditional ship fuel supply, Chimbusco has actively monitored the development of new ship fuel markets,” a spokesperson for the firm commented. “Marine LNG, as a clean alternative fuel, can significantly reduce the emission of these pollutants, making it widely favoured and applied.”

The Peony Leader was built by Guangzhou CSSC Longxue Shipbuilding and delivered in September 2024 to its owner COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers.

PCTC expansion

COSCO Shipping, in collaboration with SIPG Logistics and Anji Logistics, expects to take delivery of six more 7,500 CEU dual-fuel LNG car carriers over the next two years, further bolstering its fleet with advanced, eco-friendly vessels.

“In recent years, COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers has been proactively developing a ‘three-core and three-chain’ automotive logistics industry framework,” the firm notes.“This initiative is centred on constructing a green and efficient world-class fleet. Between 2024 and 2026, over 20 PCTCs are expected to be delivered and operational, forming approximately 30 specialized PCTC fleets.”

Headquartered in Shanghai, COSCO is a state-owned conglomerate and one of the largest container carriers in operation. 

Danish oil and shipping group Monjasa has advanced plans to expand its LNG bunkering operations in the UAE, following the introduction of the emirate’s first dedicated LNG refuelling vessel.

Canadian shipping line Seaspan Energy has taken delivery of its third LNG bunkering vessel from Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering, following two sister vessels delivered last year.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore has progressed plans to strengthen the country’s LNG trading infrastructure, following an agreement with PetroChina International (PCI).

Singapore’s fuelling specialist FueLNG and ship management group Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) have completed the 300th LNG STS bunkering in Singapore, marking a milestone for the island state.

The landmark operation was carried out by the bunker vessel FueLNG Venosa in late December 2024 at the Raffles Reserve Anchorage.

“Reaching our 300th LNG bunkering milestone, alongside FueLNG’s 300th LNG STS bunkering in Singapore, is a testament to the progress we are making together towards sustainable shipping. This achievement highlights the collaboration and trust among key stakeholders, reinforcing our collective commitment to the industry’s decarbonisation. We are proud to celebrate this shared milestone with FueLNG in a year of record-breaking progress,” Suraj Sundaresan, General Manager (Operations) at EPS, commented.

PCTC refuelling

A total cargo of 1,628 cubic meters of LNG was transferred to the pure car truck carrier (PCTC) Lake Shirasagi, one of the newest in the fleet of EPS.

“Delighted to have arranged this delivery on behalf of our Customer EUKOR with Shell LNG,” Rob Daubeney, Senior Sales Executive with World Kinect Corporation, commented.

Headquartered in Florida, World Kinect Corporation, formerly known as World Fuel Services, is one of the world’s largest seller of marine fuels by volume.

Steady progress

Measuring 116 metres in length and 24.5-metres in width, the FueLNG Venosa was Singapore’s second ever LNG bunker vessel and has a a deadweight of 12,300 tonnes, draught of 6.5 metres, and LNG cargo capacity of 18,000 cubic metres.

The bunker barge completed its first refuelling operation in 2023, coinciding with the 100th LNG bunkering in Singapore.

FueLNG, a joint venture between Seatrium Offshore & Marine and Shell Singapore, has been at the forefront of developing LNG bunkering infrastructure in Singapore since obtaining its LNG bunker supplier license from the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority in 2016.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our stakeholders - Shell, Seatrium, and our valued customers — for their support. A special thanks to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and SLNG - Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd for their critical role in enabling these achievements,” a spokesperson for FueLNG said. 

Authorities at the port of Shanghai have announced plans to deliver LNG bunkering capacity of 1 million cubic metres by 2030, as part of an ambitious strategy to make the site a hub for green fuelling.

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