Classification society Bureau Veritas has delivered an approval in principle (AiP) to Malaysian company LNG Marine for its first LNG bunkering vessel concept.

Bureau Veritas reviewed the new design and confirmed that it meets the technical and regulatory requirements and safety standards. This is the first new-build LNG bunkerig vessel concept in Malaysia.

Founded in 2020, LNG Marine wants to promote the use of LNG as a transition towards zero carbon emissions. It also specialises in the design and development of LNG bunker vessels.

LNG-fuelled ships are one of the key steps to reduce shipping emissions. Meanwhile, the increased size of LNG-fuelled ships is driving bunkering needs well beyond the current capacity, BV says. Thus, the development of LNG bunkering vessels (LNG BVs).

The new vessel will integrate the most recent notations in terms of cyber management and environment protection. It will also have provision to incorporate a battery hybrid for reducing its GHG emissions in future operations.

LNG Marine chairman Ahmad Sufian Abdul Rashid said: “The demand for LNG as fuel in the South East Asia Region is set to increase, in line with IMO’s sustainability agenda and the industry’s wider push towards net zero carbon. Malaysia is a significant LNG bunkering hub, with over 100,000 vessels passing through the Malacca Strait each year. Moreover, the availability of two regasification terminals and one FSU along the shores of Malaysia will provide steady supply. The decision by LNG MARINE to get its conceptual design approved in principle is further reinforced by the fact that local shipping companies are keen to be part of the LNG bunkering cycle.”