Shell to Charter 10 New Dual-Fuel Crude Tankers

Oil major Shell has signed agreements to charter ten new crude tankers powered by dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, with the company planning to halve half of the long-term chartered crude tankers run on LNG in 2023.

Four of the very large crude carriers (VLCCs) have been chartered from Advantage Tankers, three from AET, and three from International Seaways. All 10 ships will be built in South Korea by DSME, the first operational from 2022, and be on charter to Shell for seven years.

"The main engines and vessel design chosen for the ships will mean these tankers have the lowest possible methane slip and highest fuel efficiency including on average 20% less fuel consumption compared to eco VLCC vessels on the water. Shell continues to significantly invest in LNG for its long-term charter fleet with 14 in service by the end of  2021," reads a statement released on behalf of parties involved.

This order is expected to bring the total global dual-fuel LNG fleet to 475, marking yet another important step on the predicted doubling of  LNG-fuelled vessels on the water by 2023, as ship owners respond to customer calls to choose the cleanest technologies available today, the press statement reads.

"It is imperative that the shipping sector immediately employs the cleanest fuels available. Today and for the foreseeable future, LNG is the choice for new builds to ensure we are not adding heavier emitters into the global fleet while we work hard at developing zero-emissions fuels,” said Grahaeme Henderson, Global Head of Shell Shipping & Maritime. 

"This significant commitment will see Shell hit a new milestone for our fleet decarbonization with an average of 50% of our crude tankers on time charter powered by dual-fuel LNG engines once in service. There is  real urgency to tackle emissions from this sector and adopting LNG while developing zero-emissions fuels options, will make a significant  difference to cumulative emissions.”