Alternative Fuels

Argus Media: LNG demand may rise with discount to bunkers

Northwest Europe LNG to conventional marine fuels price discount continued to deepen in July, meaning LNG/fuel oil dual-fuel ship owners could cut their bunker expenses by switching to LNG bunker fuel.

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2023

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The northwest Europe LNG to conventional marine fuels price discount continued to deepen in July, meaning LNG/fuel oil dual-fuel ship owners could cut their bunker expenses by switching to LNG.

24 July 2023

In June the price of northwest Europe LNG delivered on truck slipped below the price of high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) at -$10/t, Argus data showed. The discount widened to -$50/t average from 1-24 July. LNG's discount to very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) on 1-24 July was even deeper, at $112/t, from a $81/t discount in June. LNG was also assessed at $300/t discount to marine gasoil (MGO) on 1-24 July, from a $231/t discount in June.

LNG emits "virtually no sulphur oxides (SOx)" when burned, according to LNG energy industry coalition SEA-LNG. Thus LNG can be used in lieu of 0.1pc sulphur MGO in the global emission control areas (ECAs) such as Rotterdam, where marine fuel sulphur content is capped at 0.1pc to keep down SOx emissions. LNG for bunkering demand accounted for 2pc of Rotterdam total marine fuel demand in the first quarter of the year, up from less than 0.3pc in the first quarter of 2022, but down from 5pc in the third quarter of 2021.

Compared with MGO, LNG emits 14pc less CO2 from combustion, according to a 2021 study by the independent, nonprofit organization international council on clean transportation (ICCT). Starting next year, ship owners traveling EU territorial waters will have to pay for 40pc of their emissions from combustion. EU-traded CO2 was assessed at $95/t average on 1-24 July, which would amount to about $17/t in CO2 cost savings for vessels burning LNG instead of MGO.

Europe faces less severe natural gas supply security risks in the run-up to winter 2023-24 than it did ahead of the previous winter. Countries have succeeded in rebuilding stocks and the EU can count on much larger, and growing, LNG import capacity. But Russian pipeline deliveries to Europe are a fraction of what they were before the onset of the war in Ukraine, so supply could still be tight if gas demand rebounds. Thus it is unclear if LNG prices would remain below fuel oil's this winter.

By Stefka Wechsler

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 28 July, 2023

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Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

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March 20, 2025

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PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025

LNG Bunkering

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel “Coralius” made its 920th LNG delivery to “Höegh Sunlight”, a brand new PCTC, with a capacity of 9100 CEU, at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden on 10 March.

Published

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March 20, 2025

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Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Energy company Gasum on Wednesday (19 March) announced its delivery of liquified natural gas (LNG) to a car carrier during a simultaneous bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The company said it was the first ever LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight at the Logent Car Terminal on 10 March 2025.

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel Coralius made its 920th LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight, a brand new Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), with a capacity of 9100 CEU, during a ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

The company did not specify the amount of LNG supplied to the vessel.

The delivery was a collaboration between Gasum, Glander International, Höegh Autoliners, the Port of Gothenburg and Sirius Agency.

Photo credit: Gasum
Published: 20 March, 2025