Gas Corporation Supplies LNG to Cargo-Handling Vessel... First Success in Korea

Additional Berthing Time and Costs Reduced for Fuel Supply

On the 8th, Korea Gas Corporation announced on the 9th that its subsidiary, Korea LNG Bunkering, successfully conducted the country's first 'simultaneous bunkering operation' on a container ship using the Blue Whale, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering-dedicated vessel.

A Gas Corporation official stated, "Simultaneous operation refers to supplying LNG fuel to a vessel while it is unloading cargo," adding, "It is considered an essential condition for the LNG bunkering business as it reduces additional berthing time and costs for fuel supply."

The Blue Whale, a dedicated LNG bunkering vessel, is conducting simultaneous bunkering operations by supplying fuel to a container ship undergoing cargo handling for the first time in Korea.

Simultaneous LNG bunkering operations are conducted at major ports worldwide. Last year, LNG Bunkering succeeded in simultaneous LNG bunkering on a bulk carrier unloading coal at the raw material pier of Gwangyang Steelworks.

LNG Bunkering loaded LNG onto the Blue Whale at the Gas Corporation's Tongyeong Production Base and moved to Pier 5 of Busan New Port, where it supplied approximately 300 tons of LNG to a vessel unloading containers.

This operation was carried out at the request of CMA-CGM, one of the world's top three shipping companies based in France, for simultaneous LNG bunkering. The bunkering operation was safely completed through close prior cooperation with related organizations such as the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, Busan Port Authority, and Korean Register.

A Gas Corporation official said, "With the success of simultaneous LNG bunkering on this container ship, LNG Bunkering has further solidified its position as a leading company in LNG bunkering," adding, "We will continue to promote LNG bunkering to accelerate the eco-friendly transition of the domestic shipping industry and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of national ports."