Classification society ABS has signed a joint development program (JDP) with probunkers to provide technical support as the shipping company is to design a fleet of specialist LNG bunker vessels for key ports around the world.
Based in Athens, probunkers aims to design, build, own and operate a fleet of LNG supply vessels in seven ports initially — Houston, Rotterdam (or, alternatively, Antwerp), Gibraltar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Busan and Fujairah.
The project, worth USD 343 million, was unveiled at Posidonia 2018 earlier this month.
“Our vision is to become the premier global bunker supplier of LNG. Our collaboration with ABS will play a key role in realizing our ambition to build a reliable global-scale bunkering network that will support the future of sustainable shipping and green energy,” Alexander Prokopakis, probunkers Chief Executive, said.
“With its low sulfur emissions, LNG is an attractive proposition for shipowners and operators responding to the 2020 Sulphur Cap. However, lack of bunkering infrastructure has been one of the key constraints on its adoption. ABS is proud to play a part in addressing that issue with probunkers,” Peter Fitzpatrick, ABS Vice President for Global Business Development, commented.
As explained, the classification society intends “to help probunkers meet the technical and operational challenges that a project of this scale and ambition will need to overcome.”