In a groundbreaking move towards a cleaner-energy future, BW LPG, a leading global player in the maritime industry, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the Middle East’s first-ever dedicated LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) bunker supply contract. This pioneering agreement represents a crucial step in the transition towards sustainable marine fuels.
The necessity for LPG bunker supply contracts arose from BW LPG’s retrofitting of Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) to utilize LPG as bunker fuel. Given the unique nature of LPG as both a cargo and a fuel, conventional industry standards did not apply. Consequently, BW LPG embarked on a mission to establish innovative terms with customers, suppliers, and oil majors, shaping the future of LPG bunkering in the maritime sector.
The maiden voyage into this uncharted territory was undertaken by the BW Volans, a vessel in the BW LPG fleet, which became the first to operate using LPG as a bunker fuel. This historic achievement was made possible through a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The partnership resulted in what is likely the Middle East’s inaugural dedicated LPG bunker supply agreement, setting an example for the broader maritime industry.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ADNOC Group for their unwavering support of LPG as a marine fuel,” said a representative from BW LPG. The pivotal moment of refueling the BW Volans took place in the scenic port of Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, and the vessel’s crew captured the historic moment as they embarked on a journey that would demonstrate the environmental, economic, and operational advantages of LPG propulsion.
The adoption of LPG as a bunker fuel not only contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions but also offers economic benefits to the shipping industry. With the maritime sector under increasing pressure to meet stringent environmental regulations, BW LPG’s innovative approach serves as a beacon of hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future in the Middle East and beyond.
As BW LPG pioneers this clean energy transition in the heart of the Middle East, it sends a clear message to the global maritime community: change is possible, and sustainable bunker fuels are the way forward. This historic LPG bunker supply contract sets the stage for a more environmentally conscious and economically viable future for the maritime industry, proving that cleaner energy solutions can lead us towards a brighter, greener tomorrow.
BW LPG is a world leader in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipping. We own and operate the world’s largest fleet of modern Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), and the largest number of VLGCs to be powered by LPG. BW LPG was listed on the Oslo stock exchange in 2013, but we trace our heritage back to the 1930s. We are headquartered in Singapore and incorporated in Bermuda, and our global footprint spans seven countries.
Source BW LPG