Busan New Port carries out first Korean box ship SIMOPS

BNCT, Busan New Port Pier 5 carried out simultaneous operations of LNG bunkering and container ship cargo loading and unloading for the first time in Korea. 

LNG bunkering vessel Blue Whale berthed alongside CMA CGM VISBY, which supplied 270 tonnes of LNG by ship-to-ship bunkering.

Simultaneous operations with LNG bunkering (SIMOPS) - referring to the act of simultaneously performing LNG bunkering operations and port loading/unloading operations - is a core competitiveness of the LNG bunkering project as it saves berthing time and port costs. 

Busan Port Authority explains, “Despite the growing preference of global carriers for eco-friendly fuels, SIMOPS has not been actively carried out at domestic container ports due to safety concerns.

However, on 8 August 2024 it was successfully implemented at BNCT of Busan New Port. 

BNCT made thorough safety preparations to ensure the safe execution of the project. Following a detailed safety manual, the company conducted work environment investigation and emergency drills, and safety training for workers. During the bunkering operation, which lasted three hours, BNCT adhered to the work procedures and safety standards, resulting in the successful completion of the project without any safety incidents. 

BNCT chief executive Chris Choi commented, "With the strengthening of global carbon neutrality policies, we have always been deeply interested in eco-friendly alternative fuels and LNG bunkering infrastructure and have considered it as a long-term development direction for Busan Port. Therefore, we believe participating in this LNG bunkering simultaneous operation is the first step in realising our vision and a monumental event. It was even more meaningful for us to collaborate with our partner CMA CGM, which is making significant efforts to achieve a carbon-free shipping business expanding its fleet of eco-friendly LNG-powered ships.” 

A statement said, “The success of this project is expected to accelerate the commercialisation of simultaneous LNG bunkering at domestic ports and further promote global shipping lines’ interest in Busan Port, which are increasingly ordering and operating LNG-powered ships.”