Rotterdam: LNG bunkering SIMOPS ‘in line’ with port strategy

The port of Rotterdam on Tuesday (9 July) said the recent simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) bunkering operation involving Containerships Nord represents a “major step” in the sector-wide acceptance of LNG as a transport fuel for shipping.

The SIMOPS procedure, allows ships to significantly cut their port call times. The operation took place at the RST terminal at Prins Willem Alexanderhaven in Rotterdam. The LNG was supplied by Shell.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority notes of its strategy to help facilitate simultaneous bunkering.

“This is in line with our ambition to promote the energy transition within the shipping sector: from fuel oil to LNG,” explains Port Authority COO Ronald Paul.
Containerships Polar, the sister ship of Containerships Nord, will be the next vessel to undergo SIMOPS bunkering.

Moving forward, both vessels will be simultaneously bunkering LNG in Rotterdam.

Containerships is a subsidiary of the French company CMA CGM, which is working to promote the energy transition in the container shipping sector. CMA CGM has already ordered 20 LNG-powered ships, which include nine 22,000-TEU vessels.

Related: LNG-fuelled “Containerships Nord” in SIMOPS milestone at Rotterdam
Related: “Containerships Nord” undergoes LNG bunkering at Rotterdam
Related: CMA CGM confirms subsidiary took delivery of LNG-fuelled boxship
Related: Containerships receives first LNG-powered box newbuilding
Related: Containerships plans fifth and sixth LNG-powered newbuildings

Photo credit: Rotterdam Port Authority
Published: 11 July, 2019