Sovcomflot has signed time-charter agreements with Shell for two dual-fuelled aframax tankers.
The vessels are part of a series of six Sovcomflot tankers currently under construction and due for delivery between the second half of this year and early next year. The two tankers will be on time charter to Shell for up to 10 years, with a minimum commitment of five years. This series of ice class 114,000 dwt LNG-powered aframax tankers – dubbed Green Funnel – will operate within Shell’s global freight trading network.
The vessels will also use Shell’s specialised LNG bunker vessels, such as the Cardissa, for fuelling in Northwest Europe. Shell will provide further supply points across Northwest Europe and the Baltic as it expands its LNG fuelling infrastructure.
Mark Quartermain, vice president, Shell Crude Trading, commented: “LNG fuel will play a fundamental role in the future energy mix. Chartering and fuelling these vessels highlights Shell’s commitment to LNG as emissions standards tighten.”