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China Avenir LNG and SSES ink bunkering agreement
Avenir LNG Ltd has announced that it has entered into a long-term joint co-operation agreement (JCA) with Shanghai SIPG Energy Service Co. Ltd (SSES), a Chinese joint venture between Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) and Shenergy Group which is responsible in delivering LNG bunker to CMA CGM’s containerships on behalf of SIPG. Under the JCA, Avenir will be responsible for the global marketing of LNG bunkering services in Shanghai Port as well as support SSES with operational and technical services to ensure seamless LNG bunkering operations for the CMA CGM containerships and future customers. This important milestone expands Avenir’s bunkering network into the rapidly growing Chinese market adding another hub to its existing bunkering network in the Mediterranean, North West Europe, and Malaysia.
In support of establishing Shanghai as a leading LNG bunkering hub, Avenir sold its first new-build 20 000 m3 Avenir Allegiance to SSES. The vessel sale released significant cash back to Avenir. The proceeds will be used to enhance Avenir’s working capital position and fund future growth opportunities.
Peter Mackey, CEO of Avenir LNG, said: “We are thrilled to play an important role in establishing and promoting China’s first LNG bunkering hub in Shanghai. This deal marks another major achievement in Avenir’s development as we continue to expand our LNG bunkering network globally. We look forward to expanding our long-term relationship with SIPG, Shenergy, and CMA CGM.”
Qatar Nakilat takes delivery and management of fourth LNG carrier new-build
Nakilat has taken delivery of a new-build LNG carrier, Global Sealine, which will be commercially and technically managed in-house by Nakilat Shipping Qatar Ltd (NSQL). Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea, this is the final LNG new-build carrier to be delivered to Global Shipping Co. Ltd, a joint venture between Nakilat (60%) and Maran Ventures Inc. (Maran Ventures) (40%). Three of its sister vessels were delivered between 2020 - 2021 and are all under time charters.
With a cargo carrying capacity of 174 000 m3 , Global Sealine is the second vessel with an X-DF propulsion system to join the Nakilat fleet and is chartered to Cheniere Marketing International LLP.
Nakilat’s CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Sulaiti said: “Nakilat is committed to its environmental goals and supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) carbon intensity reduction targets to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. The addition of this vessel to our fleet allows the company to offer greater operational flexibility to our charterers as the X-DF engine propulsion is proven to be more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly due to the lower carbon emissions. Moreover, the vessel features significantly lower gas boil-off rate, is equipped with onboard reliquefaction units, and complies with all mandatory international and national regulations pertaining to environmental protection.”
The delivery of this vessel brings Nakilat’s fleet to 74 vessels. To date, there are 25 LNG carriers, four LPG carriers, and one FSRU vessel being managed and operated in-house by NSQL.
USA Woodside signs HOA with Commonwealth LNG
Woodside Energy Trading Singapore Pte Ltd (Woodside) has signed a heads of agreement (HOA) with Commonwealth LNG to negotiate a sale and purchase agreement for the supply of LNG from the proposed Commonwealth LNG development in Cameron, Louisiana, US.
The HOA contemplates the purchase by Woodside of 2 million tpy of LNG over a period of 20 years, scheduled to begin in 2Q26. Woodside’s offtake obligation can be reduced or even eliminated as Commonwealth achieves increasing thresholds of offtake commitments from other buyers. Woodside would also have an option to purchase an additional 0.5 million tpy of LNG. Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said she was pleased to sign the HOA with Commonwealth, which shared Woodside’s commitment to cost-effective and optimised solutions for LNG customers in an evolving global market.
The HOA is non-binding and also conditional upon the negotiation and execution of a fully termed LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement, all necessary approvals being obtained, and a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the proposed Commonwealth LNG development.
LNGNEWS
Europe Brittany Ferries LNGfuelled cruise ferry receives classification
Bureau Veritas (BV) has taken delivery into class the brand-new cruise ferry Salamanca, built at China Merchants Jinling in Weihai, China. Powered by natural gas, the 1015-passenger ferry will be operated by Brittany Ferries on its route between Portsmouth, UK, and Bilbao and Santander, Northern Spain.
The Salamanca is the second ‘E-Flexer’ to enter service with Brittany Ferries as part of its commitment to introduce cleaner and more efficient ships to its fleet in the next five years. After its sister ship, Galicia, joined the fleet in December 2020, Salamanca will enter service in March 2022 and will be the first to be fuelled by LNG.
With a length of 214.5 m, Salamanca has been designed with efficiency and the environment in mind. The vessel is equipped with twin Wärtsilä 12V46DF (dual-fuelled) engines, each generating 13 740 kW. Using LNG as a fuel will significantly improve air quality, by virtually eliminating NOx and particulate matter and reducing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, particular attention has been given to its fuel-efficient design, with its long, slender hull and bow, and fine lines delivering excellent seakeeping in all weathers.
The ferry will be supplied with LNG in the ports of Bilbao and Santander, enabling round trips between Spain and Portsmouth.
Brittany Ferries plans to deploy three more LNG-fuelled vessels in the coming years: Santoña will join the fleet in 2023 on the Portsmouth-Santander-Bilbao route, and two hybrid LNG-electric ships will enter service between France and the UK in time for the 2025 season.
Arnaud Le Poulichet, Technical Director at Brittany Ferries, said: “Renewing our fleet stands as one of the pillars of Brittany Ferries’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It goes hand-in-hand with sustainability, and will see the introduction of a range of cleaner vessels that will enable us to reduce our environmental footprint and deliver on our sustainability targets. Since we embarked on LNG ship projects back in 2012, BV has been by our side, listening and working with us to find technical solutions for the operation of our LNG ferries, as well as for LNG bunkering. Spanning over 40 years, our successful partnership with BV is based on mutual trust, and we look forward to our continued work together.”
Australia Saipem awarded contract for Scarborough project
Saipem has received the Notice to Proceed (NTP) from Woodside, as operator for and on behalf of the Scarborough joint venture (JV), for a contract related to the Scarborough project. Saipem will complete the export trunkline coating and installation of the pipeline that will connect the Scarborough gas field with the onshore plant.
The Scarborough gas resource is located in the Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia, and it will be developed through new offshore facilities connected by an approximately 430 km export trunkline with a 36/32 in. dia. to a second LNG train (Pluto Train 2) at the existing Pluto LNG onshore facility. The development will be among the lowest carbon intensity sources of LNG globally. The first cargo is expected to be delivered in 2026.
The work assigned to Saipem is relevant to coating, transportation, and installation of the trunkline, at a maximum water depth of 1400 m, including the fabrication and installation of the line structures and of the pipeline end termination in 950 m water depth. Offshore operations are planned to start in mid-2023 and will be mainly conducted by the Castorone vessel.
The Scarborough JV comprises Woodside Energy Scarborough Pty Ltd (73.5%) and BHP Petroleum (Australia) Pty Ltd (26.5%). Woodside and BHP announced in 2021 that FID had been made by the Scarborough JV to proceed with the Scarborough project.
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LNGNEWS
TotalEnergies and its partner CMA CGM, have launched Marseilles’ inaugural ship-to-containership LNG bunkering operation in the Port of Marseille Fos, Southern France.
CMA CGM BALI, a 15 000 TEU LNG-powered containership is deployed on the MEX 1 service, connecting Asia and South Europe. The vessel has been refuelled by TotalEnergies’ Gas Vitality, the first LNG bunker vessel based in France, with approximately 6000 m3 of LNG, by means of a ship-to-ship transfer alongside the Eurofos container terminal, while the containership carried out cargo operations simultaneously. The Gas Vitality is TotalEnergies' second chartered LNG bunker vessel and owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL).
This entire operation underlines a solid collaborative teamwork across the French maritime industry including the involvement of local port authorities to enable the vessels’ safe operatorship, and the commitments of all the parties to support the growing role of LNG in the shipping industry's energy transition.
“TotalEnergies is delighted to successfully complete Marseille’s first LNG bunkering operation of a containership via the Gas Vitality. Her deployment underscores the company’s commitment to support the French port’s ambition to be an LNG bunkering hub for the Mediterranean region,” said Jérôme Leprince-Ringuet, Vice-President Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies. “This landmark operation also demonstrates our continued support to the growing role of LNG in shipping’s energy transition.”
South Korea Wärtsilä power solutions to drive new Arctic shuttle tankers
Wärtsilä will supply the main and harbour engines for a series of seven new Arctic shuttle tanker vessels being built at the Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) yard in South Korea. The order, which is valued at more than €100 million, was placed with Wärtsilä in December 2021. The vessels will each feature six Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel main engines operating primarily on LNG fuel, and two Wärtsilä 20 harbour engines. All will be fitted with selective catalytic reduction systems for emissions abatement. By selecting Wärtsilä as the sole supplier for this large scope package, system compatibility and procurement interfacing is simplified, which in turn eases installation work and reduces project risk.
“The Wärtsilä 31 series of engines has set a benchmark in efficiency for the industry. The diesel version has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s most efficient four-stroke diesel engine, and all versions of the Wärtsilä 31 engine series have the same high focus on efficiency. This is important for vessels such as these operating in Arctic waters, where operational reliability and environmental sustainability are of critical importance,” says Östen Lindell, Sales Director East Asia & China, Wärtsilä Marine Power.
The 120 000 DWT vessels are Arc 7 classified and have icebreaking capability. The Wärtsilä engines are designed to operate reliably at temperatures as low as -45˚C. SHI has considerable experience in building ships of this type.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in 4Q22, and the ships are expected to be ready for commissioning between 2024 and 2027.
09 - 10 March 2022
6th Annual LNG Summit USA
Texas, USA
https://lng-usa.com
10 - 12 May 2022
Canada Gas & LNG
Vancouver, Canada
www.canadagaslng.com 21 - 23 March 2022
European Gas Conference
Vienna, Austria
www.energycouncil.com/event-events/ european-gas-conference
23 - 27 May 2022
World Gas Conference 2022
Daegu, South Korea
www.wgc2022.org 28 - 29 March 2022
8th International LNG Congress
Dusseldorf, Germany
www.lngcongress.com
06 - 10 June 2022 Posidonia 2022
Athens, Greece
www.posidonia-events.com
