A new LNG bunker vessel, the Fratelli Cosulich-owned, 8,200m3 capacity tanker ‘Alice Cosulich’, which is on a long-term time charter agreement to independent clean fuels supplier Titan, is now en route to Europe from Qidong, China.
Alice Cosulich will be operational in Europe from early December 2023 and will be immediately busy facilitating supply. The bunkering vessel has an LNG and liquified biomethane (LBM) bunkering capacity of 8,200m3 and will initially operate predominantly in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) area.
The addition of Alice Cosulich to Titan’s fleet increases the flexibility of its clean fuel operations. This new addition to the fleet will enable better loading efficiencies – larger fuel parcels can be delivered and better combinations for various bunkering can be made, making scheduling easier with less dependence on reloading slots.
In addition, Alice Cosulich is suited to performing more complex operations like cooldowns and gas-ups of various types of vessels, from car carriers and container vessels to cruise ships and tankers.
Michael Schaap, Commercial Director Marine, Titan said: “We warmly welcome Alice Cosulich to our expanding fleet. As the European market for alternative fuels continues to grow, she will significantly enhance our LNG and LBM bunkering capabilities, enabling us to supply LNG to even larger vessels. Alice Cosulich is one of the most versatile vessels in the fleet, ensuring we can deliver larger parcels, supply to membrane containment systems, and more complex operations like cooldowns and gas-ups. Demand for LNG and LBM is rising as these alternative fuels are practical and available today, enabling ship operators to reduce emissions now. We will supply other clean fuels when they become feasible and available, but for now we see LNG and its sister grades as the leading alternative fuel pathway to a zero emissions future for shipping.”
The long-term charter of the Alice Cosulich further expands Titan’s existing LNG bunker supply capability. Titan already owns and operates two FlexFuelers in the ARA, both with a 1,500m³ capacity and 500m3/h transfer rate. Fuel has also been safely delivered in Indonesia, Singapore, the Mediterranean, Cape Verde Islands, and Caribbean through Titan’s charter of LNG bunkering vessels on short/medium terms for special projects. In addition, daily truck-to-ship (TTS) operations are conducted in various ports in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and UK.
Titan recognises the LNG pathway to zero-emissions via LNG, LBM and hydrogen-derived e-methane (e-LNG) as a practical, safe and available route which offers environmental benefits over oil-based fuels. The company recognises that decarbonisation will require a range of solutions. When other alternative fuels are ready to scale, Titan will add them into its supply portfolio, and collaborate with shipowners and operators to create clean fuel delivery programs that are tailored, safe, and cost-effective.
