TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company, is set to further solidify its position as a major player in the LNG bunkering sector through a newly signed charter contract with Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal. This contract will bring a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunker vessel, boasting an 18,600 m³ capacity, into TotalEnergies’ fleet.
The addition of this vessel, which is currently being built by Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China, will expand the company’s global bunkering operations, with a particular focus on potentially deploying the vessel in Oman to support the Marsa LNG project. This project aims to deliver LNG as a marine fuel to the Gulf’s shipping sector.
The Ibaizabal-owned vessel will be tasked with supplying LNG to a variety of vessel types, including containerships, tankers, cruise ships, and ferries, at TotalEnergies’ LNG bunkering hubs. The ship will be equipped to meet the highest technical and environmental standards, underscoring TotalEnergies’ commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s shift toward cleaner fuels.
LNG, which TotalEnergies describes as a readily available transition fuel, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 20% compared to traditional marine fuels. It also delivers substantial improvements in air quality by reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by up to 85%, while virtually eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine particulate emissions. This reduction in harmful pollutants is especially beneficial when vessels are at berth, contributing to better air quality in port cities and surrounding coastal areas.
Expansion of LNG Fleet
The new vessel will join TotalEnergies’ current fleet of LNG bunker vessels, including the Gas Agility stationed in the Port of Rotterdam, the Gas Vitality in the Port of Marseille, and the Brassavola located in the Port of Singapore. The fleet expansion signals TotalEnergies’ response to the increasing demand for LNG as a marine fuel, driven by a surge in LNG-fueled vessels.
“We are very proud of this agreement with Ibaizabal, which reinforces our position as a main player in LNG bunkering,” said Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of Aviation and Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies. “With new LNG-fuelled vessels coming on stream at a rapid pace, we are committed to playing our part in responding to the sector’s increasing demand for this fuel, which can help global shipping meet its decarbonization ambitions.”
Jorge Zickermann, CEO of Ibaizabal Group, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic alignment between the two companies: “Ibaizabal is honored to be chosen to carry out this project, as it falls within our strategy of decarbonizing the maritime industry. Partnering with TotalEnergies, a leader in the LNG field, enhances our already long-term relationship in shipping.”
LNG’s Role in Shipping’s Decarbonization
LNG’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 20% compared to conventional marine fuels makes it a vital part of shipping’s decarbonization journey. The environmental benefits of LNG are expected to grow further as the use of bio or synthetic LNG becomes more widespread, offering additional emissions reductions. TotalEnergies has been at the forefront of building the infrastructure necessary to support the maritime industry’s transition to LNG, offering a sustainable, readily available, and affordable fuel solution.
TotalEnergies’ Global LNG Leadership
As the world’s third-largest LNG player, TotalEnergies has built a global portfolio with a production capacity of 44 million tons per year (Mt/y) as of 2023. The company’s operations span the entire LNG value chain, from production and transportation to regasification, trading, and bunkering. With access to over 20 Mt/y of regasification capacity in Europe, TotalEnergies is committed to growing its LNG business, with an ambitious target to increase natural gas’s share in its sales mix to nearly 50% by 2030. This is part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate methane emissions across its gas value chain.
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets a wide range of energies, including oil, biofuels, natural gas, green gases, renewables, and electricity. With over 100,000 employees worldwide, the company is dedicated to providing energy that is more reliable, affordable, and sustainable. Operating in approximately 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations.
Source TotalEnergies