EXMAR Takes Delivery of LNG Carrier for Floating Bunkering Unit

EXMAR has taken delivery of the 146,000 m³ LNG carrier SIMAISMA, which will be converted into a floating transshipment unit (FTU) to support the growing LNG bunkering market.

The vessel is secured under an initial seven-year charter contract with an undisclosed first-class charterer. It will undergo dry-docking and modifications to enable its conversion into an FTU dedicated to LNG bunkering.

FTU to support LNG bunkering

Once converted, SIMAISMA will receive large LNG cargoes from conventional LNG carriers and specialised LNG bunkering vessels will subsequently load LNG from the FTU.

These bunkering vessels can then supply LNG directly to ships using the fuel, creating a hub-based supply model for maritime LNG bunkering.

The arrangement is intended to reduce the logistical costs associated with LNG bunkering by allowing larger LNG cargoes to be consolidated at a strategically positioned floating facility before being distributed to smaller bunkering vessels.

EXMAR CEO Carl-Antoine Saverys said the company is supporting the development of LNG as a marine fuel through the FTU concept, building on its nearly 50 years of experience in LNG.

The company said the model could be replicated through additional floating assets as demand for LNG bunkering infrastructure develops.