World’s Largest LNG Bunkering Vessel Launched in China

Photo courtesy Total

Total has announced the launching of its first large LNG bunkering vessel that will be used to fuel gas-powered ships in the Northern Europe. 

The 135-meter-long vessel, being built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding near Shanghai, will have a tank capacity of 18,600 cubic meters, making it by the far the largest LNG bunkering vessel in the world. 

Upon delivery in 2020, the vessel will operate in Northern Europe where it will supply LNG fuel to commercial vessels, including 300,000 tons per year for a period of ten years to French shipping company CMA CGM for its nine newbuild ultra-large containerships, which will commence delivery in 2020. 

Upon signing the LNG supply deal, CMA CGM described the agreement with Total as ‘unprecedented’ in volume in the history of LNG bunkering.

“Developing infrastructure like this giant bunker vessel is essential to allow LNG to become a widely used marine fuel,” said Momar Nguer, President for Total Marketing & Services. “This first ship demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers both more environmentally friendly fuels and the associated logistics. Thanks to this pioneering investment, Total is making a positive contribution to the sustainable evolution of global shipping.”

Total signed a long-term charter contract for the bunkering vessel with Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) in February 2018.

Total is the second-largest private global LNG player, with an overall portfolio of around 40 million tons per year by 2020 and a global market share of 10%.

With 22 million tons of LNG sold in 2018, Total is the second largest private supplier of LNG, with stakes in liquefaction plants in Qatar, Nigeria, Russia, Norway, Oman, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Australia and Angola. The group will have an overall portfolio of around 40 million tons per year by 2020, representing a global market share of 10%. 

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