Shell to Build Innovative Bunker Vessel to Deliver LNG Fuel

Shell confirmed its plans to build a specialized LNG bunker vessel to deliver to LNG-fueled vessels in northwest Europe. The new vessel will be based at the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and will load from the new LNG break bulk terminal and jetty to be constructed by the Gas Access to Europe (Gate) terminal. It will also be sea-going and will be able to bunker customers at other locations.

The vessel will be built by STX Offshore & Shipbuilding and will have a capacity to carry 230,000 cu. ft. of LNG fuel. Featuring a transfer system and sub cooler unit, it will be able to load from big or small terminals and able to bunker a wide variety of customer vessels.

Shell has committed to buy capacity from the Gate terminal, which has enabled this investment in the terminal expansion. The new LNG for transport infrastructure, called a ‘break bulk’ terminal, includes the construction of a new jetty. The new jetty will increase availability of LNG as a transport fuel for vessels and trucks in northwest Europe.

The new, dedicated break bulk terminal is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2016. It will be positioned alongside the central Gate terminal, where LNG currently arrives via large chartered carriers from around the world.

For road customers, the existing truck-loading station at the Gate terminal will be used to distribute LNG fuel to an initial Shell network of up to seven LNG truck refueling stations in the Netherlands. The first of these Shell truck refueling stations is planned to open in the Rotterdam area.