ABS to class first Singapore LNG bunker barge
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said that the project is an important milestone for the region and a key component of Singapore’s strategy to become the world’s largest bunkering port which can help support continued development of LNG supply chain in Asia Pacific region.
“LNG as fuel has become an increasingly popular option for many shipowners looking to comply with environmental requirements and gain new operational efficiencies. Projects like this are critical to help expand the LNG supply chain and advance adoption of LNG as fuel,” said ABS Vice President Global Gas Solutions, Patrick Janssens.
Bunker supply
When completed, the LNG bunker barge, with 7,500 cubic metres of LNG capacity, will be owned and operated by FueLNG Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Shell and Keppel Offshore & Marine.
It will be based in the Port of Singapore and will supply necessary LNG fuel to large ocean-going LNG-fueled vessels throughout the region. To help spur the project, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) recently granted up to S$3 million to FueLNG Pte Ltd to build the vessel.
Last year, ABS published its Guide for LNG Bunkering which sets out standards for LNG bunkering systems fitted to vessels intended for ship-to-ship LNG transfer.
The Guide also addresses bunkering station safety, lifting and hose handling equipment, control, monitoring and emergency shutdown safety systems, and emergency release systems.
