Seaspan and energy firm AES have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at providing LNG bunkering services to ships crossing the Panama Canal
The two firms will also explore options to provide similar services in regional markets close to the Costa Norte LNG terminal, owned by AES, located in Colón, Panama.
Seaspan and AES said they aim to serve the growing LNG fleet transiting the Panama Canal, and emerging markets in neighbouring countries. The company will also add three LNG bunker vessels to serve west coast ports in Canada and the US next year.
AES is developing a project to expand the Costa Norte terminal that is considering a new LNG refuelling infrastructure in methane tankers that, together with a small-scale methane tanker to Panama provided by Seaspan ULC, destined for final deliveries of LNG, will allow the commercialisation of LNG as marine fuel from the second half of 2024.
The ship loading facility is scheduled to begin operations in November, as an integral part of the services of the Costa Norte LNG terminal.
In addition to the LNG bunkering services, infrastructure at the Costa Norte terminal will also allow cooling services for LNG carriers reloading or resuming marine operation after a period of maintenance downtime. A 180,000-m³ storage capacity will allow operators to store their LNG temporarily and withdraw it on demand.
Seaspan Energy president Ian McIver said, “Seaspan is proud to collaborate with AES to provide LNG bunkering in the Panama region and lead the way in providing energy transformation opportunities in the global marine sector.”
“Together, we will provide low-carbon solutions for shipowners who want to decarbonise their operations and transition to cleaner marine fuels,” said Mr McIver.
“The collaboration with our shipowner partner and the innovations at our Costa Norte Terminal position us as leaders in driving sustainable, efficient and affordable solutions to meet the growing demands of the market,” said AES Panama president Miguel Bolinaga.
This is the latest LNG bunkering project in the Americas. The Libra Group, and Houston-based Pilot LNG also plan to build and operate a major facility on the US Gulf Coast.
Riviera Maritime Media’s LNG Shipping & Terminals Conference will be held 14-15 November 2023 in London, UK. Use this link for further information and to register your interest
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.