Korea LNG Bunkering Co., Ltd., (KOLB) a subsidiary of Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), has successfully conducted the first Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) on a container ship in Korea using the LNG bunkering dedicated ship, Blue Whale. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the country’s LNG bunkering capabilities.
The simultaneous LNG bunkering operation, conducted on August 8th, involved supplying LNG marine fuel to a container ship while it was unloading cargo. This approach is crucial for the LNG bunkering business, as it minimizes additional docking time and reduces costs associated with fuel supply.
Globally, simultaneous LNG bunkering operations have become standard practice at major ports. Korea LNG Bunkering Co., Ltd. had previously achieved success with this method on a bulk carrier unloading coal at the Gwangyang Steel Works’ raw material dock last year.
For this operation, Korea LNG Bunkering Co., Ltd. transported LNG from KOGAS’s Tongyeong production base to the Blue Whale. Approximately 300 tons of LNG were then delivered via Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer to the CMA-CGM VISBY, which was unloading containers at Pier 5 of Busan New Port.
The operation was initiated in response to a request from CMA-CGM, one of the world’s largest shipping companies based in France. The process was coordinated in collaboration with various organizations, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, Busan Port Authority, and Korea Register of Shipping. The bunkering operation was completed safely, thanks to meticulous prior planning and cooperation.
A KOGAS official said “With the success of the simultaneous LNG bunkering work for container ships, Korea LNG Bunkering Co., Ltd. has further solidified its position as a leading LNG bunkering company. We will continue to promote LNG bunkering to accelerate the eco-friendly transition of the domestic shipping industry and strengthen the competitiveness of national ports.”
About Korea LNG Bunkering (KOLB) – Subsidiary of KOGAS
Korea LNG Bunkering Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea Gas Corporation, established to lead the “Clean Marine Fuel Business” by providing LNG, a clean fuel, as marine fuel under the Urban Gas Business Act. The company is dedicated to offering LNG bunkering services to marine customers by importing LNG, utilizing KOGAS’s LNG manufacturing facilities, and constructing LNG bunker vessels.
The company leverages KOGAS’s extensive infrastructure and expertise to provide reliable and cost-effective LNG bunkering services. It operates the largest LNG terminals in Korea, enabling Port-to-Ship (PTS), Truck-to-Ship (TTS), and Ship-to-Ship (STS) bunkering across various regions. With rich experience and verified service capabilities, Korea LNG Bunkering Co., Ltd. ensures safe and stable LNG supply, contributing to the global shift towards eco-friendly marine fuels.
Source Korea LNG Bunkering