Belgium-based natural gas transmission system operator Fluxys and Netherlands-based Titan LNG have joined forces to build the FlexFueler 002, a bunkering pontoon to make liquefied natural gas (LNG) more widely available as shipping fuel in the Antwerp port and region.
Shipyard Kooiman, Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands, was contracted to build the FlexFueler 002. The pontoon, which is scheduled to be commissioned by mid-2020, will measure 76.4 x 11.45 m and is equipped with four vacuum insulated type C cargo tanks of 370 cu. m. each, to carry liquid LNG. The pontoon is not self propelled but for assistance in maneuvering a bow thruster is installed. On the back of the pontoon there will be a control room and a simple accommodation.
The FlexFueler 002 LNG bunkering pontoon will have as its home location Quay 526/528 in the port of Antwerp. Fluxys at Quay 526/528 has a concession to provide LNG bunkering services and currently accommodates truck-to-ship bunkering on the site.
FlexFueler 002 is the second Titan LNG developed pontoon of its sort and identical to FlexFueler 001, which will come into service in Amsterdam in approximately 3 months.
From its home location at Quay 526/528, FlexFueler 002 will provide bunkering services throughout the Antwerp port and region to inland waterway vessels and small coasters. The Port of Antwerp is actively supporting this development to improve local air quality and has commissioned an LNG bunker map showing where ship-to-ship bunkering in the harbour area is supported.
Pascal de Buck, CEO of Fluxys commented: "Our investment in the Antwerp LNG bunkering pontoon marks our commitment to offer concrete solutions to bring the energy transition forward and improve air quality. The pontoon is yet another link we are adding to the logistics chain in Belgium to make LNG more widely available as alternative fuel for ships. We are pleased to work with Titan LNG and combining Fluxys’ LNG experience of decades with Titan’s operational experience to contribute to the adoption of LNG in transportation fuel markets."
Niels den Nijs, CEO of Titan LNG added: “The use of LNG as a marine fuel is rapidly growing. We are convinced that the Titan LNG FlexFuelers are the missing link to safe, economical, and speedy LNG delivery in the ARA region. We feel strengthened by our Fluxys partnership and have identified ample opportunities to expand the cooperation in other geographies. With FlexFueler001 and 002 providing back-up for each other, we can provide the operational certainty that ship owners require.”