February 20, 2023 [Manifold Times] – Shenzhen has completed its first loading of bonded LNG bunker fuel cargo for the first time using a newly-added “pipeline-ship” model, according to China-based media on Monday (14 February).

The 8,500-square-metre liquified natural gas (LNG) bunker vessel Xin Ao Pu Tuo Hao, successfully loaded LNG bunker fuel cargo at the PipeChina Shenzhen Natural Gas Co., Ltd, marking the first berthing and bonded LNG bunker fuel loading operation in the Dapeng New District.

Through a “pipeline-ship” model, the LNG in the terminal’s tank is transferred to a LNG bunkering ship through a pipeline for distribution as marine fuel to container ships.

The new service allows LNG bunker vessels to load LNG bunker fuel without needing to travel far to do so which can greatly reduce the shipping cost of the bunkering company.

In order to meet the berthing of LNG bunkering ships and other small ships, National Pipeline Network Group Shenzhen Natural Gas, with the strong support of Shenzhen and Dapeng New District, remodelled the original 80,000-266,000-square-metre wharf.

At the beginning of February 2023, the terminal successfully passed the completion inspection and obtained the qualification to be opened. Shenzhen LNG has also become the first receiving station in South China that can provide bonded LNG loading services for LNG bunkering ships.

The successful completion of the first berthing and loading of LNG in Shenzhen is a breakthrough in the reform of the bonded bunkering licence for international ships granted by China’s central government, but also a step forward in Shenzhen’s journey to promote the development of green shipping and build an international bonded fuel bunkering centre.

Xin Ao Pu Tuo Hao is said to also be the world’s largest LNG bunkering vessel equipped with a type-C tank and it is China’s first seagoing LNG bunker vessel as well as the first vessel of its kind built and owned by Chinese companies.

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