Tritec Marine, in collaboration with Shanghai Bluesoul Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (Bluesoul), has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for their innovative 20,000m³ ‘Safe Bunker’ LNG bunker vessel design—a major step forward in the evolution of safer, more efficient, and scalable LNG bunkering solutions.
The vessel incorporates Bluesoul’s proprietary Bastion B aluminium alloy LNG Type B cargo containment system, delivering not only enhanced safety and flexibility but also a significant leap in cargo efficiency and vessel operability.
A Revolutionary LNG Bunkering Design: The ‘Safe Bunker’ Concept
Unlike conventional LNG bunker vessels, Tritec Marine’s ‘Safe Bunker’ design introduces several pioneering features:
- Offset accommodation unit: Provides increased protection during bunkering operations by minimizing the risk of vessel contact.
- Virtual mooring and dynamic positioning systems: Eliminates the need for fixed mooring lines, improving maneuverability and reducing berthing complexity.
- Integrated with Bluesoul’s IMO B Tank: A lightweight, scalable, and maintenance-friendly tank technology built from 5083-O aluminium alloy—30% lighter than traditional stainless steel or nickel tanks.
The tank’s prismatic structure and anti-sloshing bulkheads ensure operational stability and increased safety. Its multi-fuel compatibility also allows transportation of LNG, ammonia, and liquid hydrogen, supporting the growing demand for multi-fuel future-ready vessels.
Leadership Statements: A Strategic Leap in Marine Decarbonization
George Mermiris, Director and General Manager at Tritec Marine, commented “The Safe Bunker vessel offers a safer bunkering solution and a platform where commercial requirements and technological innovation can blend in a cost-effective and operationally efficient manner.”
“The industry is seeing a growing demand for LNG as fuel, which will inevitably drive the need for more efficient bunkering operations, especially in busy maritime hubs like Shanghai or Singapore. The innovative nature of our bunker vessel design, in combination with Bluesoul’s proprietary tank technology, provides an optimal solution for the sector.”
The AiP from ABS enables Tritec Marine and Bluesoul to now engage with shipyards and commercial stakeholders about licensing Safe Bunker technology for newbuild construction.
A Proven Partnership Reunited for the LNG Era
The collaboration between Tritec Marine and Bluesoul builds on a successful history—specifically, a 2018 retrofit project that equipped a fleet of tankers with exhaust gas cleaning systems. This renewed partnership signals a return to innovation in LNG bunkering infrastructure, aimed at helping the maritime sector decarbonize at scale.
Yongfeng Qu, Chief Scientist and Engineer at Bluesoul, added “Having previously successfully collaborated with Tritec Marine and the Northern Marine Group, we are delighted to work together once again in the exciting and rapidly developing LNG bunker vessel space. Our IMO B Tank solutions are customizable, utilize anti-sloshing bulkheads, and offer a unique system that increases safety while allowing for fast and cost-effective installation.”
ABS Supports Innovation in Gas Carrier Safety
Rostom Merzouki, ABS Director of Global Gas Solutions, emphasized the importance of this design “With global demand for LNG increasing, bunker vessels like the design from Tritec Marine and Bluesoul will be critical for its safe transportation and application. ABS is proud to use our record of safety leadership and expertise as the world’s leading classification society for gas carriers to support this project.”
With LNG gaining ground as a transitional marine fuel, and infrastructure needs growing globally, this Safe Bunker AiP is timely and transformational. Tritec Marine and Bluesoul are now well-positioned to license and scale this forward-thinking LNG bunkering solution for ports and partners across the world.
ABS Supports LNG Innovation to Accelerate Maritime Decarbonization
As one of the world’s leading classification societies, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) played a pivotal role in validating the safety and innovation of the Safe Bunker design. With a strong legacy in supporting gas carrier development and alternative fuel transitions, ABS continues to champion the integration of cleaner technologies across the maritime sector.
By granting Approval in Principle for this project, ABS reinforces its commitment to facilitating safe, reliable, and sustainable advancements in LNG bunkering infrastructure. The endorsement underscores ABS’s position at the forefront of guiding maritime decarbonization through technical expertise and regulatory leadership.
About Bluesoul
Shanghai Bluesoul Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. is a pioneer in cryogenic cargo containment systems, offering LNG tank technology, Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS), and ship exhaust gas cleaning systems. Bluesoul’s Jingjiang construction base hosts advanced aluminium alloy LNG tank production lines with annual production capabilities for up to 45K m³ capacity tanks and hydrogen energy modules.
About Tritec Marine
A subsidiary of the Northern Marine Group and the Stena group, Tritec Marine is a leading provider of marine engineering and ship design solutions. With a proven track record in LNG vessel development and small-scale transportation systems—including its Energy Express platform—Tritec Marine is helping shape the next generation of clean fuel logistics.
Source Tritec Marine