In a significant milestone for South Korea’s maritime industry, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Busan Port Authority (BPA) announced on August 9 that they successfully demonstrated the simultaneous LNG bunkering and container handling operation using the “Ship to Ship” (STS) method for an LNG-powered container ship at Busan New Port on the previous day.
The demonstration involved the container ship Visby II, operated by the French shipping company CMA CGM, which was docked at Pier 5 of the New Port. While loading and unloading cargo, a dedicated LNG bunkering vessel connected a hose to the Visby II and supplied 270 tons of LNG. The entire operation took a total of 14 hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 8.
This marks the first time in South Korea that a simultaneous operation of container handling and LNG bunkering, the supply of ship fuel, was successfully carried out at Busan Port. The success of this operation enhances Busan Port’s competitiveness in simultaneous LNG bunkering and container handling for LNG-powered container ships, aligning with the global trend of transitioning ship fuels, explained the Busan Port Authority.
“As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strengthens carbon emission regulations, the number of LNG-powered ships is rapidly increasing worldwide. Major ports around the world are accelerating the establishment of LNG bunkering infrastructure. Global shipping companies also prefer the ‘Ship to Ship’ (STS) method of bunkering, which allows for simultaneous handling and bunkering, thereby saving costs,” the BPA stated.
Globally, ports that conduct simultaneous LNG bunkering and container handling include Helsinki Port, Singapore Port, and Shanghai Port. Busan Port is also striving to build its LNG bunkering infrastructure to keep pace with these changes.
LNG, or Liquefied Natural Gas, is a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, reducing emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which is crucial for environmental sustainability. The IMO has been tightening regulations on carbon emissions from ships, which has led to an increase in the adoption of LNG-powered vessels to comply with these stricter environmental standards.
The Ship to Ship (STS) method of LNG bunkering involves transferring LNG from one vessel to another while both are at sea or docked, allowing for simultaneous cargo handling and fuel bunkering, which increases efficiency and reduces downtime for shipping companies. This method is preferred by global shipping companies for its cost-saving benefits and operational efficiency.
Busan Port’s status as a major global shipping hub makes this development particularly significant. The port’s infrastructure, capabilities, and strategic importance in international trade are enhanced by this successful demonstration, positioning it alongside other leading ports in the world.
With this success, Busan Port is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for LNG bunkering services and to support the global shift towards more environmentally friendly shipping practices. The port’s ongoing efforts to build its LNG bunkering infrastructure will ensure it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving maritime industry.
Source: Business Korea