Converted LNG bunkering vessel to start work in Norway

Bergen Tankers and Gasnor should soon put in use a converted LNG bunkering vessel claimed to be the first such ship in Norway.

Norway’s Westcon Yards said in a statement last week it had completed the conversion works on the vessel named Bergen LNG and the ship left the dock at its yard in Florø on March 23.

The yard won the contract from Bergen tankers in 2019 to convert an existing fuel oil bunkering vessel, the 2010-built Oslo Tank, to be able to supply LNG.

The works included removing superstructures and old tank departments but also lifting the deck and installing a new tank, and electro and pipe installations.

In addition, Norway’s Høglund secured a contract the same year to supply both hardware and automation solutions for the vessel, including an IMO type C tank, cargo pumps, bunker manifolds, custody transfer system, and a ship-to-ship transfer system.

Converted LNG bunkering vessel to start work in Norway
Image: Bergen Tankers

The 49.2 meters long vessel features an 850 cbm LNG tank and is able to supply 250 cbm per hour via an STS operation, according to Bergen Tankers.

Vessel to set out for gas trials ahead of Gasnor charter

The partners previously planned to put the vessel into use in the fourth quarter of 2020 but Covid-related delays affected the conversion project, Westcon Yards said.

Bergen LNG will now set out for gas trials, prior to starting its contract with Gasnor.

To remind, Bergen Tankers reached an agreement with Gasnor and its parent Shell in 2019 to convert the vessel that will go on a long-term charter to the Norwegian LNG supplier.

However, Shell does not own Gasnor anymore as the LNG giant revealed last week it sold the firm to Spanish small-scale player Molgas.

Gasnor plans to use the bunkering ship mainly in the Bergen area and on the Norwegian west coast.

Moreover, the vessel will supply the fuel to Hurtigruten’s and Havila Kystruten’s LNG-powered ferries under previously agreed contracts, but it will also serve other vessels in the region.

Most Popular

LNG Canada to send third cargo

Shell-led LNG Canada is expected to soon ship the third cargo of liquefied natural gas from the Kitimat facility, according to shipping data.

Hyundai LNG Shipping sells another carrier for scrap

South Korea's Hyundai LNG Shipping has sold another steam liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier for scrap, according to brokers.

Technip Energies wins contract for Eni’s Coral Norte FLNG

France-based LNG engineering giant Technip Energies has won a contract for preliminary work on Eni's second FLNG project in Mozambique, Coral Norte (Coral North).

More News Like This

Gasum in Norwegian bio-LNG move

Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum has signed a deal with Norway's Vireo to purchase all the bio-LNG produced at the latter's Hardanger biogas plant in Norway.

Gasum, Sirius order LNG bunkering vessel at RMK

Finnish state-owned energy firm and LNG supplier, Gasum, has joined forces with Swedish shipping firm Sirius to order one LNG bunkering vessel at Turkiye's RMK Marine.

Wartsila wins contract for Gasum’s bio-LNG plant in Sweden

Finland’s tech firm Wartsila said it will supply equipment for Gasum’s new bio-LNG production plant in Sweden. Wartsila booked the...

Deutsche ReGas in first Mukran LNG reloading op

Deutsche ReGas confirmed the first reloading operation in a statement on Tuesday. Coral Energy, a small-scale LNG carrier built in...