Dutch supplier Titan LNG has agreed with Japanese shipping giant NYK Line to charter the 5,200 cbm bunkering vessel, Green Zeebrugge.
Previously known as the Engie Zeebrugge, NYK renamed the vessel following the termination of its JV with partners Engie and Mitsubishi in December last year. NYK is now the sole owner of the ship.
Titan said in a statement it would charter Green Zeebrugge for “several years” from February 2021.
In addition, the Dutch firm will use the vessel to supply chilled fuel to larger LNG-powered vessels in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region.
Titan adds Green Zeebrugge to its two already operational barges, FlexFueler 001 and 002.
“January has proven exceptionally busy, underlining the timeliness of our decision to secure this additional capacity,” Michael Schaap, Titan LNG’s commercial director marine, said.
He added that the firm carried out seven LNG operations during one weekend, three of which were to large crude shuttle tankers from its term contract partner Equinor.
Titan’s 8,000 cbm bunkering vessel nearing FID
With the anticipated further acceleration of LNG bunkering demand, Titan is taking “bold steps” to realize the needed infrastructure in European ports.
A variety of LNG bunkering vessels enables the use of LNG as a marine fuel to grow quickly, the firm says.
Moreover, the firm says it is nearing a final investment decision on its planned 8,000 cbm vessel, Titan LNG Hyperion. This would give the firm extra capacity available in early 2023.
Titan added it expects to have the largest network of LNG bunkering vessels in Europe by 2025.
