Partners to Build LNG Dual-fuel Bunker Ship for Singapore

 

The new 7,500 DWT LNG dual-fueled vessel will be co-funded up to S$2 million (US$1.46 million) by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) through its LNG Bunkering Pilot Program (LBPP) Grant. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will soon be enforcing a global Sulphur content cap of 0.5 percent on bunker fuels. LNG, as a marine fuel is a cleaner alternative for the industry. 

 

LNG is essentially natural gas, or about 88-97 percent methane cooled down to -262°F. Cooling the gas to this point then allows it to occupy 1/600th of its original volume. When the fuel is actually being used, the LNG is warmed up and re-gasified into natural gas. Natural gas, as a fuel, is extremely clean burning; there are virtually no Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are reduced by roughly 90 percent and CO2 emissions by about 20 percent.

 

This partnership will bolster the LNG infrastructure in Singapore, by investing in a dual-fueled bunker tanker. The 100 meter vessel is designed by the Dutch firm, International Naval Engineering Consultants BV (Inec BV) and will be classed by ABS. It will be capable of carrying Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), (6,600MT) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO), (600MT). The vessel is expected to enter service in 2018.