TotalEnergies: MOL’s 2nd large LNG bunkering vessel nearing delivery

The second large LNG bunkering vessel owned by Japan’s MOL and chartered by French energy giant TotalEnergies has completed its gas trials in China.

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua started building the 18,600-cbm capacity Gas Vitality in late April last year and held a keel-laying ceremony in August.

TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, a unit of the French firm, said in a statement on Monday the vessel has completed gas trials off Shanghai earlier this month.

To remind, LNG Prime reported on the completion of sea trials in June.

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.

Improved features

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

In addition, Gas Vitality will incorporate enhanced equipment boosting its bunkering efficiency and flexibility to supply LNG to a wide range of vessels across various segments and sizes, according to TotalEnergies.

These improved features include an additional bow thruster, upgraded cargo pumps and high duty compressors, as well as a pressure reduction system to optimize bunkering operations of Type C tank vessels under all conditions.

First LNG bunkering vessel in France

Due to go into operational service in the final quarter of this year, the LNG bunkering ship will be stationed in the Marseille-Fos area in France to serve the Mediterranean region.

It will be the first LNG bunkering vessel to be based in France.

The Bureau Veritas-classed vessel will fuel CMA CGM’s containerships and MSC Cruises’ upcoming LNG-powered cruise ships that call at the French port.

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

“We are excited to be at the forefront of making LNG bunkering capabilities readily available in France and the Mediterranean region,” said Jérôme Leprince-Ringuet, VP marine fuels at TotalEnergies.

“With shipping’s accelerating transition to this cleaner marine fuel, we look forward to providing our customers with another major European hub for their LNG bunkering needs,” he said.

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