LNG BUNKER LICENCE APPLICATION
Shell is submitting an application to the Gibraltar Port Operations Office for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker licence in Gibraltar.
LNG bunkering is similar to traditional ship fuel bunkering operations that already occur in Gibraltar, which is one of the biggest ship bunkering locations in Europe.
LNG bunkering is a safe procedure with highly trained professionals in charge of operations, and numerous safety measures in place.
Shell has already safely completed more than 250 LNG bunkering operations around the world, including in France, the Netherlands and Norway. In 2021, Shell will also perform LNG bunkering operations in North America and Singapore.
LNG is cleaner than traditional marine fuels, producing lower emissions of particulates, such as sulphur, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, than both diesel and heavy fuel oil. LNG is likely to remain the cleanest, affordable alternative to traditional marine fuels available in meaningful volumes in the coming decades. It is proven, safe and has a strong track record as a fuel.
Many different types of ship already run on LNG, including tankers and cruise liners. These ships are designed to the highest safety standards and subject to rigorous testing. They have to be compliant with the the . This is the International Code of Safety for ships using gas as a fuel.
During an LNG bunkering operation, LNG is supplied to ships through a hose from one ship to another (known as a ship-to-ship transfer). At Shell, this is completed from a smaller ship known as an LNG bunker vessel. The bunker vessel is usually filled with LNG from an LNG terminal, and then moored alongside the vessel that will receive the LNG. A hose is connected between the two ships to transfer the LNG from one vessel to another. The length of time the LNG transfer takes is dependent on the size of the receiving vessel.
Shell welcomes feedback, which helps us to plan, develop and operate our projects, minimise impacts and maximise benefits for stakeholders. If you have any questions about Shell鈥檚 LNG bunker licence application please get in touch with us using the email address SLB-Info-GibraltarLNG@shell.com.
For further information about the use of LNG as a transport fuel click here