MOL’s 2nd large LNG bunkering vessel wraps up sea trials

The second large LNG bunkering vessel owned by Japan’s MOL and chartered by France-based TotalEnergies has completed its sea trials in China.

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua says the 18,600-cbm capacity Gas Vitality has returned to its yard on Changxing Island, Shanghai on June 15.

The vessel will later this year head out to complete gas trials, ahead of its delivery in October.

Hudong started work on the LNG bunkering ship in late April last year and held a keel-laying ceremony in August.

The 135 meters long vessel has similar specifications as its sister ship, Gas Agility, which already works for TotalEnergies from the Dutch port of Rotterdam.

MOL and TotalEnergies claim these are the world’s largest LNG bunkering vessels.

Both of the LNG bunkering ships feature GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane containment system and Wartsila’s dual-fuel propulsion.

Furthermore, Hudong previously said it would boost the performance of the second ship compared to its sister vessel.

As part of the upgrade, the ship will have a 25 percent higher loading and unloading rate, according to the yard.

Following delivery later this year, the LNG bunkering ship will be stationed in the Marseille-Fos area in France.

It will supply LNG in the Mediterranean area to a wide range of vessels, including CMA CGM’s containerships.

V.Ships France will operate the vessel under the French flag.

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