The 210,000 dwt, Newcastlemax, Mount Tai was bunkered with 4,887 cu m of LNG from the bunker vessel FueLNG Venosa, operated by FueLNG, in Singapore.
“This is a historic event for EPS as it proves that the viability and infrastructure to carry out LNG bunkering already exists for those who are willing to take action today,” stated EPS CEO, Cyril Ducau.
“Mount Tai will be our first Newcastlemax to operate in the spot market. With the volatility in LNG pricing, bunkering our managed spot vessels showcases our commitment towards the industry’s energy transition to lower emissions.”
It’s understood that there is a commercial advantage for EPS to fuel vessels will LNG although this also dependent on the prevalent pricing of LNG and fuel oil. Until recently many owners and operators with LNG dual-fuelled vessels were opting for fuel oil due to sky high LNG prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, prices have come down significantly in recent months and more are using LNG again.
The bunkering of the Mount Tai was also the first for FueLNG’s 18,000 cu m Fuel Venosa. FueLNG is a joint venture between Singapore shipyard group Seatrium and Shell Singapore.
Saunak Rai, General Manager of FueLNG, said, "We are delighted to celebrate the first successful LNG bunkering operations of FueLNG Venosa with Mount Tai, alongside the remarkable achievement of our valued customer EPS on completing their 100th LNG bunkering operation.”
Mount Tai will be a part of EPS’ low carbon emission fleet, transporting iron ore along the green corridor from West Australia to Northeast Asia. As of February this year EPS had 74 alternative fuelled vessels either on the water or under construction, the majority of which are LNG dual-fuelled.
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