ABS to Class Singapore’s First LNG Bunker Barge

The classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) was selected by FueLNG to class Singapore’s first LNG bunker barge, scheduled to start construction in January 2019.

“This project is an important milestone for the region and is a key component of Singapore’s strategy to become the world’s largest bunkering port,” Patrick Janssens, ABS Vice President Global Gas Solutions, said.

“LNG as fuel has become an increasingly popular option for many shipowners looking to comply with environmental requirements and gain new operational efficiencies. Projects like this are critical to help expand the LNG supply chain and advance adoption of LNG as fuel.”

The LNG bunker barge, with 7,500 cubic meters of LNG capacity, will be owned and operated by FueLNG, a joint venture between Shell and Keppel Offshore & Marine. The vessel will be based in the Port of Singapore and will supply necessary LNG fuel to large ocean-going LNG-fueled vessels throughout the region.

To help spur the project, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) recently granted up to USD 3 million to FueLNG Pte Ltd to build the vessel.

To be built by Keppel Offshore & Marine, the vessel, which is valued at around SGD 50 million (USD 36.4 million), is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2020.

The vessel’s key features include high manoeuvrability which enables bunkering without tug assistance, as well as propulsion and power management systems that optimise fuel consumption.