Shell charters ten LNG-powered VLCCs

Shell is continuing to expand its LNG-powered fleet and has chartered ten new very large crude carriers from three owners.

The energy giant said in a statement it would charter four LNG-powered VLCCs from Advantage Tankers, and three from AET and International Seaways, each.

South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering will build all the vessels and deliver them starting from 2022.

Following delivery, the dual-fuel vessels will start serving a seven-year charter deal with Shell.

Shell charters ten LNG-powered VLCCs
Image: Shell

“The main engines and vessel design chosen for the ships will mean these tankers have the lowest possible methane slip and highest fuel efficiency including on average 20% less fuel consumption compared to eco VLCC vessels on the water,” Shell said.

Growing LNG-powered fleet

Shell said it continues to “significantly” invest in LNG for its long-term charter fleet with 14 in service by the end of 2021.

This order is expected to bring the total global dual-fuel LNG fleet to 475 as ship owners respond to customer calls to choose the cleanest technologies available today, Shell said.

“It is imperative that the shipping sector immediately employs the cleanest fuels available. Today and for the foreseeable future, LNG is the choice for newbuilds to ensure we are not adding heavier emitters into the global fleet while we work hard at developing zero-emissions fuels,” said Grahaeme Henderson, global head of Shell shipping and maritime.

“This significant commitment will see Shell hit a new milestone for our fleet decarbonisation with an average of 50% of our crude tankers on time charter powered by dual-fuel LNG engines once in service. There is real urgency to tackle emissions from this sector and adopting LNG while developing zero-emissions fuels options, will make a significant difference to cumulative emissions,” he said.

To remind, this new deal follows Shell’s last week’s announcement to charter a newbuild LNG bunkering vessel from Norway’s Knutsen.

Shell plans to boost its LNG bunkering business by 50 percent on international routes by the mid-2020s. The firm currently has six LNG bunkering ships in its portfolio.

The firm expects marine LNG demand to reach around 3.6 million tonnes by 2023.

In addition, Shell expects 45 LNG bunkering vessels to be in service by then.

Most Popular

Atlantic LNG shipping rates continue to decrease

Atlantic LNG freight shipping rates continued to decrease this week, while European prices also dropped compared to last week.

South Korea’s Posco says first LNG carrier to start ops in H2

Posco International, a unit of South Korean steel producer Posco, plans to start shipping LNG with its first dedicated LNG carrier in the second half of this year.

Australia’s Viva Energy gets OK for Geelong LNG import terminal

Australia’s Viva Energy has secured approval from the Victorian government for its proposed FSRU-based LNG import terminal in Geelong, Australia.

More News Like This

Shell shareholders re-elect CEO Wael Sawan

Wael Sawan will continue to lead London-based LNG giant Shell following shareholder voting at the company's annual general meeting on Tuesday.

Singapore’s FueLNG wraps up 400th STS bunkering operation

Singapore’s FueLNG, a joint venture consisting of Shell and Seatrium, has completed its 400th ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. FuelLNG delivered LNG to BYD Shenzen, which is said to be the world’s largest LNG-fueled car carrier.

Peru LNG terminal shipped three cargoes in April

Peru LNG’s liquefaction plant at Pampa Melchorita has shipped three liquefied natural gas cargoes in April due to restrictions on the transportation system, according to operator Hunt Oil.

CFO: Shell on track to ship first LNG Canada cargo in middle of 2025

LNG giant Shell remains on track to deliver the first liquefied natural gas cargo from its LNG Canada export terminal in Kitimat in the middle of this year, according to Shell's finance chief, Sinead Gorman.