Long-term home port agreement signed for LNG bunkering pontoon in Amsterdam

Titan LNG's FlexFueler001 will be based at the Dutch port's America Harbour.

Artist's impression of Europe's first LNG bunkering pontoon, the FlexFueler, operated by Titan LNG. Image credit: Titan LNG

Updated on 29 Jan 2018 14:33 GMT

Titan LNG and the Port of Amsterdam have signed a long-term rental agreement for the Dutch port to be the home location of Titan's LNG bunkering pontoon, the FlexFueler001. The FlexFueler001 is set to be Europe's first LNG bunkering pontoon when launched later this year, and the Port of Amsterdam says the agreement underpins its ambition to facilitate the development of LNG bunkering. "We believe in LNG as a shipping fuel and Titan LNG's solution fits very well with our strategic focus on becoming a sustainable port and our transition to renewable energy. We strive to connect the port seamlessly to the fast-growing metropolitan area, and lowering pollution is a top priority. We are looking forward to the launch of the FlexFueler001 at the end of this year," said Koen Overtoom, CEO Port of Amsterdam. Niels den Nijs, CEO of Titan LNG, remarked: "We are very pleased with the support of Port of Amsterdam. Their trust has enabled us to realise a long-term supply solution for vessels that run on LNG. LNG as a marine fuel has a great future and provides one of the building blocks of a more sustainable shipping industry." The central location of the 'America Harbour' is said to have been selected to facilitate the transfer of LNG using various methods. Both trucks and LNG transport vessels will be able to discharge LNG into the FlexFueler - therefore limiting its dependence on the supply of LNG via large-scale terminals. The America Harbour is able to receive both inland and seagoing vessels, and the draft alongside the FlexFueler will be 9.70 metres. Normally, however, seagoing ships will be bunkered alongside at the same time as cargo operations are being performed, using a push boat.