Pavilion, CNOOC complete first STS LNG bunkering of VLCC in China

Singapore’s Pavilion Energy and Chinese state-owned CNOOC Gas and Power have successfully concluded their inaugural ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation for Maran Tankers' Maran Dione, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), in China, Pavilion said on August 10.

The operation involved the transfer of approximately 2,800 tonnes of LNG from CNOOC's LNG bunkering vessel Hai Yang Shi You 301 to the VLCC at the Guangzhou Port. This follows the signing of a heads of agreement last year by Pavilion, CNOOC, and Gasum to enhance the global LNG bunker supply network.

Moreover, this operation marks CNOOC's debut delivery of LNG to an LNG-powered VLCC at a Chinese anchorage, Pavilion said.

Alan Heng, Group CEO of Pavilion Energy, said, "This latest operation further solidifies our presence as a one-stop LNG bunkering solutions partner to serve various global shipping ports as we continue to expand our global LNG bunkering footprint and support the shipping industry's transition to cleaner marine fuels."

With established international vessel bunker centers in key Chinese ports and ambitious plans for an LNG bunker fleet expansion, CNOOC is at the forefront of driving LNG adoption and bunkering along China's coastal regions, Pavilion said.

"We are delighted to be part of this pioneering moment for China with two solid partners in the energy sector, CNOOC and Pavilion Energy, and actively contribute to the decarbonisation of our fleet,” Mark Pearson, managing director of Maran Tankers, said.