Harley Marine Signs MOU to Build First LNG Dual-Fuel Bunker Tanker

Harley Marine International Holdings Pte. Ltd., in efforts to lead the industry in environmental stewardship, announces it has signed an MoU with Pavilion Gas Pte. Ltd, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui) to build the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) dual-fueled bunker tanker for Singapore. Harley Marine's commitment to being safe and responsible stewards of the environment has naturally led to look towards viable (and fiscally responsible) modern technologies. Utilizing LNG as a marine fuel is one such technology.

The new 7,500 DWT LNG dual-fueled vessel will be co-funded up to S$2 million (US$1.46 million) by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) through its LNG Bunkering Pilot Program (LBPP) Grant. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will soon be enforcing a global Sulphur content cap of 0.5% on bunker fuels. LNG, as a marine fuel is a cleaner alternative for the industry.

LNG is essentially natural gas, or about 88-97% methane cooled down to -262°F. Cooling the gas to this point then allows it to occupy 1/600th of its original volume. When the fuel is actually being used, the LNG is warmed up and re-gasified into natural gas. Natural gas, as a fuel, is extremely clean burning; there are virtually no Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are reduced by roughly 90% and CO2 emissions by about 20%.

This partnership will bolster the LNG infrastructure in Singapore, by investing in a dual-fueled bunker tanker. The 100 meter vessel is designed by the Dutch firm, International Naval Engineering Consultants BV (Inec BV) and will be classed by ABS. It will be capable of carrying Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), (6,600MT) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO), (600MT). The vessel is expected to enter service in 2018.