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You will find in this section the latest public news regarding the liquefied natural gas market, regulation and innovations. Please type any keyword in the search box and /or use the  ”area”, “topic” and “date” filters to refine your search. Feel free to submit your news to GIIGNL using the contact form.

 

September 5, 2018

Scania introduces world’s first LNG-fueled long-distance coach

Scania launched its new LNG-fueled Interlink Medium Decker coach for a range of up to 1,000 kilometres at Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA).
Karin Rådström, Head of Buses and Coaches at Scania said in the statement, “Whereas there are several options for carbon-conscious city and suburban bus operators, there has been a void in long-distance travel market that we have now addressed.” He also mentioned, “As LNG is becoming increasingly available throughout Europe, as well as in many other parts of the world, this is a timely and viable alternative.”
Edited from Scania Press Release.

September 5, 2018

Freeport LNG and Sumitomo sign HOA for liquefaction tolling services

Freeport LNG announced that it entered into a binding HOA with a unit of Sumitomo Corporation for 2.2 MTPA of LNG from the fourth Freeport train. Under the HOA, SCOA, a subsidiary of Sumitomo, has agreed to negotiate for a 20-year liquefaction tolling agreement (LTA).

The LTA is expected to start in 2023 upon the commencement of commercial operations of the fourth train of Freeport LNG’s natural gas liquefaction and export facility located on Quintana Island, Texas. The statement said, “The 2.2 MTPA of capacity to be contracted under the LTA would enable SCOA to significantly expand its U.S. natural gas-related business across the value chain, from upstream development to LNG export.”

Edited from Freeport LNG Press Release.

September 5, 2018

Höegh LNG charters FSRU to Naturgy

Norway’s Höegh LNG has entered into a time charter contract with Spain’s Naturgy for its ninth FSRU. Höegh LNG mentioned that the time charter would commence in December 2018, immediately after the delivery of the unit and a positioning voyage from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, and have a term of 15 months. Under the contract, the FSRU will earn a fixed daily charter rate which is in line with the current medium-term market for DFDE LNG carriers, the statement said.

Edited from Höegh LNG Press Release.

September 4, 2018

AIDA Cruises names the world's first LNG powered cruise ship

Carnival Corporation and its AIDA Cruises brand held a naming ceremony to welcome AIDAnova into their fleet which will debut as the world's first cruise vessel to be powered at sea and in port by LNG.

AIDAnova was named on August 31, 2018 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg. It was the first naming of a cruise ship at the shipyard in more than 20 years .   

Expected to launch in November 2018, AIDAnova is the first of 11 next-generation cruise ships from Carnival Corporation between 2018 and 2025 able to generate their power at sea and in port from LNG.

The LNG ships are part of Carnival Corporation's ongoing fleet enhancement strategy with 20 new vessels scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2025.

AIDAnova will embark on its first voyage at the end of September and will head for Eemshaven in the Netherlands. Once the ship has received its final fittings and has completed various sea trials, AIDAnova will be delivered to AIDA Cruises in an official handover ceremony from the Meyer Werft shipyard on November 15, 2018, in Bremerhaven, Germany. AIDAnova will begin its maiden voyage from Hamburg to the Canary Islands on December 2, 2018.

With its three new LNG ships on the horizon, AIDA Cruises continues to pursue its commitment to "green cruising" and sustainable operations. As of 2023, more than half of AIDA Cruises' guests will be spending their vacation on a cruise ship that runs on LNG.

In addition to the use of LNG for cruise ships, Carnival Corporation's world's leading cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises, have been industry leaders in utilizing exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) in the small confines of a cruise ship. Carnival Corporation has nearly 70 of its over 100 ships outfitted with the systems.

Edited from Carnival - AIDA press release.

August 31, 2018

Panama Canal modifies transit reservation system

The Panama Canal announced changes to the Transit Reservation (booking) System for Neopanamax vessels, effective October 1, 2018. The Panama Canal Authority said in its statement, “The modifications are a step in a positive direction for the Neopanamax Locks and take into consideration the lifting of certain navigation rules for LNG vessels and ongoing customer feedback, as well as routine analysis of the utilization and fair market value of the Expanded Canal.”

Currently, customers may reserve transits during three booking periods determined by the number of days prior to the requested transit date. However, the announced adjustments will introduce a new booking period within the first booking period, called booking period 1.a, which will be accompanied by corresponding modifications to the duration and slot allocation within each booking period. These changes will also include a transition period for those LNG vessels that have already obtained slots during the current booking period 1, which will allow customers to release them without being charged a cancellation fee.

Edited from Panama Canal Authority Press Release.

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