Total, MOL Sign Charter for Second LNG Bunker Vessel

Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions and Japanese shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) have signed a long-term charter contract for a second large LNG bunker vessel, to be delivered in 2021, which will be positioned in the Marseille-Fos area in France, the two companies said in a statement December 4. The first deal was signed in February last year. 

The new bunker vessel will be built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China and will have a capacity of 18,600 m³ with a length of 135 metres. It will be fitted with a Mark III membrane containment system provided by France's GTT. The newbuild will be operated under a French flag by MOL and Gazocean, a company based in Marseille.

“This vessel has been specifically designed to supply LNG bunker in the Mediterranean area to a wide range of vessels, including containerships, tankers, ferries and large cruise ships. She will meet the highest technical and environmental standards, using herself LNG as propulsion fuel and integrating a complete re-liquefaction of the boil-off gas,” the companies said.

The agreement follows the launch of Total’s first LNG bunker vessel last month in Shanghai, which will serve fuel to 23,000 teu containerships operated by French cargo shipper CMA CGM in northern Europe.