Europe’s first inland-waterway LNG bunker vessel conducted its first bunkering operations in the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp. The ‘LNG London’ vessel, owned by LNG Shipping – cooperation between Victrol and Sogestran, is on a long-term charter to Shell.
Tahir Faruqui, General Manager, Shell Global Downstream LNG stated that LNG London reflects the company’s ability and commitment to provide safe and reliable supplies aiming to keep up with the changes for a cleaner-burning fuel.
In addition, the vessel will be loaded with LNG at Rotterdam’s Gate Terminal. An innovative transfer system enables delivery of LNG to seagoing vessels, inland barges and terminals onshore, while a restricted air draft allows the barge to sail via inland waterways to Antwerp and Amsterdam, if required.
The LNG London is a step towards a greener shipping industry, keeping in mind that the IMO’s 2020 sulphur cap regulation is approaching.
Pascal Girardet, CEO of Sogestran, concluded that
The inland capability offers clear logistical benefits for end users, benefits that will help drive the growth of LNG as a cleaner marine fuel.
