Antwerp, Belgium – Victrol, a leading force in European inland shipping and logistics, proudly shared a major operational milestone for the LNG London—one of Europe’s pioneering inland LNG bunker vessels. This state-of-the-art vessel has successfully completed over 1,000 safe LNG bunkering operations across the bustling ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
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A Testament to Safety, Reliability, and Environmental Stewardship
Chartered by Shell Marine, owned by LNG Shipping, and expertly operated by Victrol, LNG London has set a new standard for safety, efficiency, and environmental performance in the growing LNG bunkering sector. This monumental milestone underscores the vessel’s firm commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility, especially as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) increasingly gains traction as a lower-emission marine fuel.
Victrol highlights the outstanding performance of the crew and the vessel’s robust design. Launched in June 2019, the LNG London boasts a capacity of 3,000 m³, spans 110 meters in length, and is designed to navigate inland waterways with ease, ensuring efficient LNG supply to both seagoing vessels and barges.
The Impact of LNG London’s Achievement on Maritime Decarbonization
The accomplishment of 1,000 safe bunkering operations by the LNG London signifies several key advancements for the maritime industry:
Driving maritime decarbonization
LNG London facilitates the delivery of LNG—a key step toward reducing the environmental footprint of shipping. LNG produces fewer well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions than traditional marine fuels, while significantly lowering nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), and particulate matter emissions.
Enabling regulatory compliance
Through LNG London, Shell Marine actively delivers bio-LNG in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp Region (ARA Region), helping vessels meet evolving environmental standards and adopt cleaner fuel alternatives.
Strengthening regional bunkering leadership
The vessel’s inland navigation capabilities provide strategic reach, allowing it to refuel vessels deep within Europe and bridge major ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Handling LNG at -160°C requires uncompromising safety standards—a challenge consistently met by LNG London’s skilled crew.
Expanding the LNG Network
Shell Marine and Victrol’s close collaboration continues to drive innovation in renewable fuel bunkering, reinforcing their joint commitment to a greener maritime sector.
Building on the success of the LNG London, Shell Marine has expanded its bunkering network with the larger Energy Stockholm, an 8,000 m³ bunker vessel now operating in Antwerp, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, and Amsterdam, further solidifying the region’s commitment to sustainable bunkering solutions.
Victrol: A Legacy of Innovation in Shipping and Logistics
Established in 1969, Victrol brings over 50 years of experience in shipping and logistic solutions to the forefront of the industry. With a diversified fleet capable of transporting everything from cryogenic gas at -162°C to bitumen at +200°C, Victrol specializes in the distribution and bunkering of mineral oils and gas across North West European Ports.
In response to global environmental challenges and the drive for a climate-neutral economy, Victrol has consistently embraced an innovative path. The company is committed to leading the energy transition by offering future-proof logistic and shipping solutions towards a cleaner industry. Beyond tankers, Victrol also operates a fleet of semi-submersible pontoons and push boats for heavy lift and Ro-Ro transportation, showcasing its comprehensive approach to maritime logistics.
This landmark achievement by the LNG London is a clear demonstration of Victrol’s dedication to operational excellence and its vision for a more sustainable future in shipping.
Source Victrol