Working Conditions Aboard the Seaboard-Blue

In an exciting development for maritime sustainability, MAN Energy Solutions and Wessels Marine have unveiled an innovative project aimed at demonstrating the use of liquefied synthetic natural gas (SNG) as a viable shipping fuel. The initiative revolves around the Wes Amelie, a 1,036 teu feeder containership that underwent retrofitting in 2017. This pioneering trial will replace a portion of the vessel's typical liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption, specifically 20 tons out of 120 tons per round trip, with climate-neutral SNG produced from renewable electrical energy. This collaboration has united industry leaders, including Nauticor, a prominent LNG transportation company, and the charterer Unifeeder. The ambitious project anticipates a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, estimating a decrease of 56 tons for each trip conducted with SNG. The SNG itself will be sourced from Audi’s Power-to-Gas facility located in Werlte, where a state-of-the-art liquefaction plant is underway, destined for completion by the second quarter of 2020. Power generated from wind energy will fuel the process, promising a cleaner, more sustainable future for shipping. As the shipping industry increasingly seeks ways to mitigate its environmental impact, the trial of SNG aboard the Wes Amelie marks a promising step towards achieving greening initiatives and climate neutrality in maritime operations. Stay tuned as this landmark experiment unfolds in the coming months.

The Port of Rotterdam, recognized as Europe's largest maritime hub, reported a notable change in its bunkering statistics for 2017. The volume of bunker oil sold, a crucial fuel source for shipping, experienced a decline, dipping from 10.1 million m3 in 2016 to 9.9 million m3 last year. Of this total, fuel oil accounted for a significant portion, with 8.3 million m3 utilized in 2017. In contrast, the demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) saw a remarkable rise, surging from under 100 tonnes to an impressive 1500 tonnes. This increase was primarily attributed to the Wes Amelie, a pioneering vessel that made history as the first container ship adapted for LNG propulsion. The Wes Amelie has consistently refueled at the City Terminal located at the Prins Willem Alexanderhaven, reflecting the port's commitment to innovative and environmentally-friendly fuel solutions.

Unifeeder has achieved a significant milestone in the maritime industry by debuting the world’s first retrofitted shortsea container vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This pioneering step highlights Unifeeder’s commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable shipping solutions. According to Niels Kjaer-Richardt, Shortsea Director at Unifeeder, "We take pride in being at the forefront of innovation with the operation and testing of the first-ever LNG container vessel in the world." The environmental benefits of this vessel are considerable, with a major focus on eco-friendly practices influencing partner selection in the European market. Kjaer-Richardt further emphasizes the increasing demand for sustainable solutions—"Whenever we engage in discussions about annual contracts with our customers, there’s a clear expectation for environmentally responsible options. While current technical solutions are not yet perfect, it is crucial for us to explore every avenue available to support our partners." The c/v 'Wes Amelie' operates primarily on routes connecting Rotterdam with the Baltics and Poland. As the first vessel of its type globally converted to an LNG propulsion system, the 'Wes Amelie' demonstrates a remarkable reduction in pollutant emissions, achieving over 99% reduction in sulfur oxides (SOx), approximately 90% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and up to 20% decrease in CO2 emissions. Unifeeder’s investment in retrofitting this vessel marks a pivotal move towards a greener maritime future. More details can be found at https://www.marinelink.com/news/retrofitted-lngpowered430103.