Gasum has conducted the first truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operation in Germany. The company delivered LNG to the world’s first LNG-fueled research vessel ATAIR, which currently under construction at Fassmer shipyard in Berne/Motzen in Germany.
This new vessel will enter into service in 2020 and will replace the old ATAIR, commissioned in 1987. Fassmer was awarded the contract to build the ship for the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), which will use the vessel for sea surveying, wreck search and research. Gasum is delivering the LNG and supporting Fassmer in the execution of the operation at the shipyard.
The decision to equip the ATAIR with engines that can run on LNG was made because LNG emits significantly less emissions compared to a diesel-fueled ship. As a result, the new ATAIR does not only comply with the TIER III exhaust emission regulations, but also with the EPA TIER IV rules regarding soot particles. Furthermore, the underwater sounds of the vessel are optimized, which protects the marine environment and ensures optimal conditions for the scientific work.
“Our first LNG bunkering operation with trucks in Germany was a great success and we are proud that we can support the Fassmer shipyard with this very important newbuild project. Gasum have already supported customers with ship-to-ship deliveries in North West Europe. However, this truck-to-ship delivery underlines our commitment to expand our geographical footprint in continental Europe. We are working actively on extending our business in the region and have lined up several projects in Germany, Poland, The Netherlands and Belgium,” said Jacob Granqvist, Sales Director, LNG Maritime, Gasum.
Source: Gasum
