• May 13, 2021
• Environment, News, Shipping

Bunker vessel will have a capacity for 8,000 cu.m of LNG and 500 cu.m of MGO [Image: Fratelli Cosulich]

LNG continues to be available as a marine fuel in an increasing number of ports. Among the latest orders for LNG bunkering vessels to be placed is one from Genoa, Italy, based Fratelli Cosulich Group.

It has awarded the CIMC SOE shipyard in China an order for the construction of a bunkering vessel with a capacity of 8,000 cubic meters LNG and 500 cubic meters of MGO.

Set for delivery in 2023, it will feature Wärtsilä Gas Systems technology and an azimuthing propulsion system for enhanced maneuverability.

It will be operated by a new Cosulich subsidiary, Fratelli Cosulich LNG S.r.L

Cosulich says the total value of the investment for the construction of the vessel is approximately $45 million and that, “as the project is contributing to the decarbonization of the maritime environment by deploying LNG bunkering in the Mediterranean Sea,” it may be awarded a grant of EUR 4.5 million (about $5.4 million) by the European Union.

The honorary president of the Cosulich Group Inc. Andrea Cosulich says, “It is our responsibility to make shipping increasingly respectful of the environment, in the interest of future generations. We acted proactively, in order to offer the coverage of the Mediterranean basin, following the trend that sees new ships under construction equipped with alternative propulsion, especially in the field of passenger ships.”