First liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering articulated tug and barge (ATB) unit, from major company Shell, is ready for operations for the U.S LNG market. This ATB unit is a vessel specially designed for the transport and transfer of LNG.
This first-of-its-kind unit is part of Shell’s Trading and service provider Q-LNG strategy to help companies to decarbonize; amid the climate change agreements and ESG agenda, both companies said in a statement.
The unit is called Q-LNG 4000, and it was designed to provide LNG transfers from vessel to vessel; and from vessel to shore, and small-scale maritime distribution. With LNG export going through the roof, new ways of dispatching had to be met, in order to ensure safety and reliability.
According to the companies involved, the entering to operations of the Q-LNG 4000 is a milestone for the market, as it ensures transportations of the commodity in North America, in a reliable and efficient way.
It also represents Shell’s efforts in energy transition, and the delivery of cleaner solutions to its customers and the overall market. As we have reported previously, Shell has embarked in substantial energy transition efforts.
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Efforts by Shell to decarbonize the market
The investment in Canada’s first low-carbon and renewable chemicals plant; and the agreement with 7 more major companies, to boost cleaner energy solutions for the American and European markets are just a few examples of that.
In this regard Q-LNG 4000 unit will serve as a key element of Shell’s strategic plan to develop a global LNG bunkering network; which will be complemental to other developments in Asia, and northern Europe.
About Shell’s efforts, Karrie Trauth, the company’s manager for shipping and maritime in the Americas, said, quoted by specialized media: “Shell has an ambition to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner, in step with society, and we are working hard to deliver the kind of solutions our customers need now to help them decarbonize.”
“LNG is an important part of the solution today and I’m proud that this vessel will effectively double the number of LNG bunker vessels in the US; making it possible for us to continue to help others accelerate their own transition,” she concluded.
While Shane Guidry, Q-LNG CEO added: “All of my companies, including Q-LNG, are focused on, and will continue to do our part to design, build and operate vessels that will assist with the quest to decarbonize.”
