ENGIE, Mitsubishi and NYK Define ‘Gas4Sea’ LNG Bunkering

Paris-based international energy company ENGIE has partnered with Mitsubishi Corporation and NYK Line to set a definitive course into a natural gas-fueled future by committing to developing LNG as a marine fuel supply offer through purpose-built LNG bunkering vessels. Together, they have launched the ‘Gas4Sea’ brand — LNG fuel for low-emission sea and river transport.

One advantage LNG offers is a reduction of up to 25% in CO2 emissions compared to diesel, as well as enhancing the quality of life in port, marine, and waterway environments.

ENGIE is developing a comprehensive range of secure operations to make LNG accessible to all river and sea transport operators. Bunkering is used to transport LNG onto ships that usually run on fossil fuel with a high carbon footprint (diesel or heavy fuel oil). Bunkering may take several forms:

• through tanker lorries
• through fixed facilities in ports, for larger volumes
• and now through vessels (ship to ship), under the Gas4Sea brand

Ship to ship LNG bunkering can take place in ports or out at sea without interrupting commercial activities: a major advantage for Gas4Sea’s customers who are offered a cleaner, sustainable and also more efficient service.

This bunkering service will be available from late 2016 using the first purpose-built LNG bunkering vessel. Ordered by the partners in 2014, with a capacity of 5,000 cm, it is the first of its kind in the market. Designed to adapt to a wide range of customers, it will be able to supply vessels in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, as well as in neighbouring ports.

The partners will expand Gas4Sea’s footprint to other regions around the world to satisfy growing demand.

(Source: ENGIE)