Shell has completed its 500th LNG bunkering operation as the Hague-based firm continues to build one of the world’s largest fueling networks on key trading routes.
The LNG giant has conducted bunkering operations around the globe, including France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the US, Singapore and Gibraltar.
In addition, Shell has also recently completed its first-ever LNG fueling operation in the UK.
Tahir Faruqui, general manager, Shell global downstream LNG, told LNG Prime in an emailed statement that Shell remains committed to doubling its LNG bunkering infrastructure by the mid-2020s.
“I’m proud that we have been able to complete 500 bunkering operations safely through our expanded fleet of bunker vessels that can be deployed across nine countries and thirteen ports, and look forward to expanding this further,” he said.
In order to meet IMO’s targets and slash emissions, the shipping sector “must immediately employ the cleanest fuels available,” he said.
“Today LNG is the choice to ensure we are not adding heavier emitters into the global fleet while we work hard at developing zero-emissions fuels,” Faruqui said.
LNG-powered fleet continues to rise
DNV recently said that the 200th LNG-powered ship has joined the global fleet as orders for such vessels continue to rise.
Moreover, the global orderbook tipped 300, so there are now more than 500 LNG-fueled ships confirmed, according to the classification society.
These statistics do not include smaller inland vessels such as GNG Ocean’s 50 LNG-powered bulkers that will work on the Pearl River in China’s Guangdong province.
Faruqui said Shell continues to see an acceleration in demand for LNG as a marine fuel and the firm expects 45 bunkering vessels to be in operation in 2023.
Shell has this year revealed several charter deals for newbuild bunkering vessels. These include contracts with Norway’s Knutsen and South Korea’s Pan Ocean.
The firm has also recently signed a sale and leaseback deal with Pan Ocean for its Cardissa LNG bunkering ship.
Besides bunkering vessels, Shell is also building a large fleet of LNG-powered ships.
These include dual-fueled LNG carriers, crude oil tankers, oil products tankers but also inland waterway barges.