World News
Shell Takes Delivery of First of Series of 15 Dual-Fuel Barges
Dutch shipbuilder VEKA Group (VEKA) has announced that Shell Trading Rotterdam BV (Shell) has taken delivery of the first of 15 inland dual-fuel barges, RPG Stuttgart, which is set to run "predominantly" on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The VEKA-built vessel is intended to support Shell's business expansion in trading and transporting refined oil products in the ARA and Rhinetrack regions.
The vessel delivery comes as part of a time-charter agreement Shell signed with Plouvier Transport NV /Intertrans Tankschiffahrt AG in December 2015 for 15 new inland dual-fuel barges.
"The innovative 110 metre long barges have been designed for improved environmental and safety performance, and optimal cargo carrying capacity in a variety of water conditions," explained VEKA.
"Their main engines, provided by Wärtsilä, will run on 95-98 percent LNG fuel with a small proportion of diesel used for ignition."
The barges are slated to bunker LNG from infrastructure in Rotterdam and along the Rhine.
VEKA says a staggered delivery of the subsequent barges is expected between now and mid-2019.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 645.00 | 2.00 | 767.50 | 11.50 |
| Rotterdam | 600.00 | 8.00 | 751.50 | 13.00 |
| Houston | 627.50 | 9.00 | 796.00 | 11.50 |
| Fujairah | 649.50 | 0.00 | 889.00 | 0.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 665.00 | 0.50 | 864.00 | 6.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 630.50 | 5.00 | 801.00 | 9.00 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 722.50 | 2.50 | 922.50 | 3.00 |
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