Classification society ABS has signed a Joint Development Program (JDP) with Athens-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering firm probunkers to provide technical support on designing a fleet of specialist LNG bunker vessels for key ports around the world.
ABS will work with probunkers to provide regulatory compliance guidance for the fleet as well as define applicable rules and standards.
It will also identify technical and operational challenges and advise on technological solutions in a range of areas including, but not limited to, capacity, dimensions of the vessels in relation to port restrictions, required power and speed, propulsion and maneuvering systems.
Suitability analysis of available technologies for cargo containment, LNG Handling & Transfer Systems and Boil-Off Handling Systems is also a significant aspect of the JDP.
“With its low sulphur emissions, LNG is an attractive proposition for shipowners and operators responding to the 2020 Sulphur Cap,” said ABS Vice President for Global Business Development, Peter Fitzpatrick.
“However, lack of bunkering infrastructure has been one of the key constraints on its adoption. ABS is proud to play a part in addressing that issue with probunkers.
“As a global leader in LNG, ABS has a wealth of expertise to help probunkers meet the technical and operational challenges that a project of this scale and ambition will need to overcome.”
probunkers aims to initially design, build, own and operate a fleet of LNG supply vessels at seven global ports: Houston; Rotterdam (or, alternatively, Antwerp); Gibraltar; Singapore; Hong Kong; Busan and Fujairah.
“Our vision is to become the premier global bunker supplier of LNG,” said Alexander Prokopakis, probunkers Chief Executive.
“Our collaboration with ABS will play a key role in realizing our ambition to build a reliable global-scale bunkering network that will support the future of Sustainable Shipping and Green Energy.”
Photo credit: ABS
Published: 28 June, 2018
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