AET Selects LNG Propulsion Option for Newbuild Tankers

AET says that as many as four of its newbuild Aframax tankers will be equipped with dual fuel engines. Image: AET

AET Tankers Pte Ltd (AET) today announced that as many as four of its newbuild Aframax tankers, which are currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd (SHI), will be equipped with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual fuel option.

"At AET we are fully committed to building a sustainable fleet and working to develop solutions that improve our environmental footprint. Our Green Sustainable Agenda aims to provide innovative solutions based on our experience across our different asset classes," said Rajalingam Subramaniam, President and CEO of AET.

"Our customers and strategic partners have been very supportive and I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all our major customers and strategic partners with whom we have worked very closely to determine LNG supply availability and commercial viability of our vessels."

In addition to the dual fuel LNG engines, the new vessels will also feature a range of "eco-innovations" intended to optimise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions - enabling the ships to be awarded a "green passport" notation.

"We have complete confidence that LNG will play a significant part in the marine fuels mix in the coming years, and we have been reviewing the feasibility of developing a dual fuel LNG fleet since 2015," said Yee Yang Chien, Chairman for AET and President and Group CEO at MISC Berhad (MISC).

"Our experience allows us to have confidence that the required infrastructure for LNG bunkering will develop at pace as we approach 2020 giving much more trading flexibility in the future."

As Ship & Bunker reported in 2015, AET placed an order for eight newbuild tankers intended to maximise fuel efficiency.