ABS & Probunkers Sign JDP for Fleet of LNG Bunkers

ABS has signed a pioneering Joint Development Program (JDP) with probunkers to provide technical support as they embark on designing a fleet of specialist LNG bunker vessels for key ports around the world.

“With its low sulfur emissions, LNG is an attractive proposition for shipowners and operators responding to the 2020 Sulphur Cap. However, lack of bunkering infrastructure has been one of the key constraints on its adoption. ABS is proud to play a part in addressing that issue with probunkers,” said ABS Vice President for Global Business Development, Peter Fitzpatrick. “As a global leader in LNG, ABS has a wealth of expertise to help probunkers meet the technical and operational challenges that a project of this scale and ambition will need to overcome.”

Based in Athens, probunkers aims to design, build, own and operate a fleet of LNG supply vessels in seven ports initially: Houston; Rotterdam (or, alternatively, Antwerp); Gibraltar; Singapore; Hong Kong; Busan and Fujairah.

Alexander Prokopakis, probunkers Chief Executive, said: “Our vision is to become the premier global bunker supplier of LNG. Our collaboration with ABS will play a key role in realizing our ambition to build a reliable global-scale bunkering network that will support the future of Sustainable Shipping and Green Energy.”

ABS will work with probunkers to provide regulatory compliance guidance for the

fleet as well as define applicable rules and standards. ABS will also identify technical and operational challenges and advise on technological solutions in a range of areas including, but not limited to, capacity, dimensions of the vessels in relation to port restrictions, required power and speed, propulsion and maneuvering systems. Suitability analysis of available technologies for cargo containment, LNG Handling & Transfer Systems and Boil-Off Handling Systems is also a significant aspect of the JDP.

Recognizing the changing landscape and increased industry focus on gas, ABS launched its Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects. The ABS Global Gas Solutions team provides industry leadership, offering guidance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, gas carriers, and regulatory and statutory requirements. ABS has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets and has been the classification society of choice for some of the most advanced gas carriers in service.