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Almost a quarter of tanker orderbook LNG-fuelled

LNG-fuelled vessels make up 23% of the total tanker orderbook, according to statistics from London-based shipbroker, Gibson.

Paul Bartlett, Correspondent

December 13, 2021

1 Min Read
AETLNGbunkering
AET tanker bunkering LNG in the USPhoto: AET

There are 20 VLCCs, 41 Aframax/LR2s and two Suezmax tankers, as well as 40 ‘LNG-ready’ tankers on the orderbook, according to the firm, which notes the advance of LNG dual-fuel technology across many ship types.

Gibson highlighted the world’s first VLCC to be fuelled by LNG. The 319,000 dwt Yuan Rui Yang, built by Dalian Shipyard for Cosco Shipping, successfully completed sea trials recently and is due for delivery about now.

The vessel’s original 2017 shipbuilding contract specified standard propulsion, but Cosco chose the LNG option by way of a supplemental agreement early in 2020. The 333m-long tanker has a WinGD XDF main engine consuming about 60 tonnes of fuel a day, and two 3,500 cu m Type C fuel tanks.

Whilst LNG is proving popular as a bridging fuel, Gibson notes other developments that are likely to lead to a multi-fuel future. The broker reported the imminent first voyage of the liquid hydrogen carrier, Suiso Frontier, which will load a cargo of hydrogen in Australia. The vessel is capable of reliquefying cargo and although it has not been designed to use boil-off cargo as fuel, subsequent vessels could well have this capability, Gibson said.

About the Author

Paul Bartlett

Correspondent

UK-based Paul Bartlett is a maritime journalist and consultant with over four decades of experience in international shipping, including ship leasing, project finance and financial due diligence procedures.

Paul is a former Editor of Seatrade magazine, which later became Seatrade Maritime Review, and has contributed to a range of Seatrade publications over the years including Seatrade’s Green Guide, a publication investigating early developments in maritime sustainability initiatives, and Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine, focusing on the vibrant market for such vessels across that region.

In 2002, Paul set up PB Marine Consulting Ltd and has worked on a variety of consultancy projects during the last two decades. He has also contributed regular articles on the maritime sector for a range of shipping publications and online services in Europe, Asia, and the US.

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