Project Forward and Shell discuss LNG supply

The project, drawing on the experience of partners including ABS, Deltamarin, GTT and Wärtsilä, has claimed to have developed a technically feasible and commercially viable design for deep sea vessels powered by gas that is equally suitable for bulk carriers and tankers.

The design ensures a very long sailing range which can easily be adjusted to fit specific needs of each owner or trade pattern. As a result it could be sufficient for LNG-fuelled vessels to bunker only at major ports. Arista Shipping feels the development of bunkering locations needs to be accelerated and concentrated in these ports.

Shell is already developing LNG bunkering infrastructure at ports around the world, including the Gas Access to Europe (GATE) terminal in the Netherlands, where it has access to import and break bulk capacity to supply gas to marine and road transport customers in northwest Europe.

Alexander Panagopulos, principal, Arista Shipping, said: “Merchant shipping is under increased pressure of tight regulations on emissions from a range of sources and this will continue in future. LNG is a cleaner burning marine fuel for shipping which can help ship owners and operators to reduce emissions of CO2, sulphur, particulates and nitrogen oxides.”

The project partners aim to launch a first bulk carrier vessel with the Project Forward design in the next few years.