The first ship-to-containership LNG bunkering operation in Asia was undertaken by CMA CGM and FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The containership, CMA CGM SCANDOLA, was fueled with 7,100m3 of LNG from FueLNG Bellina, Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel. This operation underscores the companies’ commitment to contribute to Singapore’s goal to become a leading LNG bunkering hub.
“The use of more sustainable fuels is an important element of the decarbonization strategy. As the shipping industry explores alternative zero-carbon fuels, LNG is a viable transitional fuel. As a global bunkering hub, we are pleased to partner CMA CGM, FueLNG, Keppel Offshore & Marine and Shell Eastern Petroleum, to provide more sustainable bunkering solutions for the shipping industry. It also marks another major milestone as Asia’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation with simultaneous cargo operations,” said Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs, Chee Hong Tat, who attended the launch.
CMA CGM SCANDOLA is the first of six new 15,000-TEU LNG-powered containerships which CMA CGM Group has lined-up to be bunkered in Singapore this year. These ships will be deployed on CMA CGM’s MEX 1 service between Asia and the Mediterranean. It is also the first vessel in Asia to conduct simultaneous container loading and discharging operations alongside LNG bunkering operations, shortening port stay time. From Singapore, she will set sail with over 14,800 (20-foot equivalent units) containers, comprising household goods, electronic items, machinery and personal protection equipment for the Mediterranean.
This is also the first ship-to-ship operation for FueLNG Bellina. Designed and built by Keppel O&M, the 7,500m3 vessel provides more options for shipowners and operators to bunker LNG in Singapore. It aims to provide a total of about 30 to 50 ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations in 2021, extending its track record of over 300 truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations so far.
“Today, LNG is the most advanced solution when it comes to preserving air quality. This technology is one of the first steps towards achieving our ambitious 2050 objective of carbon neutrality. CMA CGM SCANDOLA is the first of more CMA CGM-operated LNG-fueled vessels that will undergo simultaneous cargo and LNG bunkering operations in Singapore. The group’s fleet of LNG-fueled containerships will grow to 32 by the end of 2022,” commented Stephane Courquin, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific.
Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, added, “The use of LNG as a marine fuel is fast gaining traction worldwide amid a global push to use cleaner shipping fuels. As the world’s top bunkering and transshipment hub port, MPA is pleased that we are able to facilitate Asia’s very first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation with simultaneous cargo operations. We will continue to work with the industry to promote LNG bunkering in Singapore and drive the transition to more sustainable shipping.”
Source: CMA CGM
