Two LNG Bunker Barge Concepts Unveiled by Crowley's Jensen

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday August 20, 2015

Two concept Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunker barges that fulfill different requirements of the sector have been unveiled this week by Seattle based Jensen Maritime Consultants Inc.

The barges are said to be ideal for customers with LNG needs at ports not located near an LNG terminal, or as an alternative to over-the-road transportation.

In order to optimize the efficiency of outfitting, construction, and assembly, the fully customizable barges have been designed using Jensen's proprietary engineering capabilities.

According to Jensen's parent, Crowley Maritime Corp., the unveiling comes at a time when the maritime industry  "is currently struggling with the decision over which to develop first – LNG infrastructure or vessels."

The first concept barge consists of an above-deck LNG tank (or tanks, depending on the requirement) fitted onto an existing barge, while the second concept has larger tanks nestled into a purpose-built barge for greater carrying capacity and visibility. 

In recognizing the varying requirements of LNG customers, Johan Sperling, vice president of Jensen, remarked, "Whether LNG is required for the long or short term, or in larger or smaller quantities, Jensen has a bunkering solution; We are proud to continue leading the way with LNG marine solutions."

Crowley first entered the LNG market with the acquisition of Carib Energy LLC (Carib Energy) 2013.