The Danish bunker service provider Monjasa has added the “Green Zeebrugge” to its fleet and is now also entering the LNG bunker market.
This is in response to the increasing demand for alternative fuels in the shipping industry, Monjasa announced, citing recent analyses.
“The move into LNG bunkering comes at a time when, according to recent DNV data, there are 1,262 LNG-fueled vessels, of which 613 are already operating and another 649 have been ordered – compared to only 62 LNG-fueled vessels in 2015,” reads a statement from the Danish company, which has so far focused on supplying conventional fuels such as HFO, VLSFO and MGO and, more recently, biofuels.
Monjasa works with authorities on infrastructure
The “Green Zeebrugge” has now been put into charter. It is intended for Arabian waters and is currently on its way from Amsterdam to its new area of operation. The ship, owned by Japanese shipping company NYK, has a capacity of 5,000 m³. “The deployment of the ‘Green Zeebrugge’ is the first important step towards the introduction of LNG as a new marine fuel in the United Arab Emirates,” Monjasa continued.
CEO Anders Østergaard explained the move: “Monjasa’s role is to offer new market opportunities to shipowners who are increasingly looking for ways to decarbonise their vessels.” Looking ahead, close cooperation with local partners in maritime transport is crucial “to further develop new supply chains and position the UAE as a leading shipping hub for alternative fuels as well.”
Monjasa has been operating in the Middle East since 2005 and was the first marine fuel supplier to deliver biofuels to the UAE in 2022. Now, to create a viable local LNG bunkering option, port authorities, energy companies and shipowners are currently working with Monjasa to finalise the development of suitable infrastructure.
Through this expanded collaboration, Monjasa expects to be able to offer a comprehensive fuel mix in the UAE ports in the future, including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), High-Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO), biofuels and LNG. “Green Zeebrugge” is scheduled to undergo safety and quality inspections by the local authorities before the end of the year and deliver its first LNG in January 2025.
