EMEA News
World's First Box Ship Converted to Use LNG Marine Fuel Launched and Bunkered
The world's first box ship converted to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been launched and bunkered in Germany, local media reports.
Nauticor, formerly Bomin Linde LNG GmbH & Co. KG (Bomin Linde), completed the bunker operation for the 1,036 TEU containership Wes Amelie in Bremerhaven.
The stem saw four trucks of LNG loaded onto the Wessels Reederei GmbH & Co. KG (Wessels Reederei)-owned vessel.
"Due to the smooth cooperation between the ship's crew, the Bremenports team, and our experienced specialists, the initial bunkering was a complete success," Schiffs Journal quoted Sonja Nesshöver, Director of the LNG Portfolio at Nauticor, as saying.
Nauticor managing director Mahinde Abeynaike said that with conversion of Wes Amelie, Wessels Reederei had become a "pioneer" in establishing LNG as a marine fuel for container ships.
The vessel has 15 identical sister ships, and the report notes further LNG conversions are planned.
As Ship & Bunker reported last year, the conversion was sponsored by the German Ministry of Transport and classed by Bureau Veritas S.A. (BV).
