SINGAPORE: Singapore LNG (SLNG) has completed its first small-scale reload this week, filling the fuel tanks of the LNG bunker-supply newbuilding Cardissa. The operation took place on Jurong Island, at SLNG’s secondary jetty, which is designed for LNG carriers in the 60,000m³-265,000m³ size range. As the smallest vessel to call there to date was of 65,000m³, SLNG carried out compatibility studies before the operation took place.
SLNG is positioning Singapore as an LNG transhipment and bunkering hub for southeast Asia, and is modifying the secondary jetty to support small-scale cargo transfers. Chief executive John Ng said: “The successful completion of our first small-scale LNG-reload operation is significant, as it demonstrates the SLNG terminal’s ability to play the role of LNG supply hub for the region. “The terminal is able to break LNG cargoes into smaller parcels and facilitate deliveries of small volumes of LNG to other terminals in the region or as bunker fuel to ships in our port. We are already looking ahead to enhance our capabilities in this area, exploring possible modifications to our secondary jetty to accommodate LNG vessels as small as 2,000m³. This is expected to come on stream in 2019.” Cardissa left the STX Offshore & Shipbuilding yard at Jinhae, South Korea last month and stopped in Singapore to load, en route to its future home port at Gate Terminal in the Netherlands. The 6,500m³ LNG bunker-supply ship is owned by Shell and co-financed by the European Union.
