SCF Group (Sovcomflot) has signed an LNG bunker agreement with energy major Shell for the raft of aframax crude tanker newbuildings recently contracted by the Russian shipowner.
Shell Western LNG signed with Sovcomflot in Japan Monday prior to the kick-off the Gastech meeting tomorrow.
The four ice-classed, dual-fuelled tankers, which deliver from third quarter 2018, will operate in the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe transporting crude oil and petroleum products.
Industry first
The companies said the tankers will be among the first LNG-fuelled vessels with variable and flexible routes.
Under the agreement, Shell will refuel the vessels from its soon-to-deliver LNG bunker vessel newbuilding that will load at Gate LNG terminal in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and a second supply point in the Baltics, the partners said, without giving further details of the bunkering arrangements.
Shell integrated gas and new energies director Maarten Wetselaar said: “This is an important next step for gas as part of the energy mix.
“This is another marine segment embracing the benefits of LNG fuel, making it clear that LNG will play a key role in helping the shipping industry meet new emissions regulations,” he added.
SCF president and chief executive Sergey Frank said the two companies had an extensive track record of working together.
“At the heart of our joint aspirations is the shared desire to play a major role in delivering a cleaner and safer maritime environment. This is why SCF Group and Shell decided to pilot this breakthrough initiative to switch the principal fuel of Aframax tankers, the workhorse of the global tanker industry, to LNG," Frank said.
