Global marine fuels supplier, Monjasa is introducing the UAE’s first dedicated LNG bunker vessel, the 50000 m3 capacity Green Zeebrugge, in response to increasing demand for alternative marine fuels. Monjasa’s move into LNG bunkering comes at a time when recent DNV data shows that there are now 1262 LNG-fuelled vessels, of which 613 are trading with a further 649 on order, compared to just 62 LNG-fuelled ships in 2015. Monjasa chartered the Green Zeebrugge in Amsterdam in November, and it arrived in the UAE in late December.
According to Monjasa Group CEO, Anders Østergaard, “Our role is to keep challenging the status quo and providing new market opportunities to shipowners who are increasingly looking for ways to decarbonise their vessels. Deploying the Green Zeebrugge is the first important step in introducing LNG as a new marine fuel option in the UAE. “
Monjasa started its maritime operations in the Middle East in 2005 and became the first marine fuels supplier to deliver biofuels in the UAE in 2022. The company is currently working with port authorities, energy companies and shipowners to develop an adequate LNG bunkering infrastructure.
Through this collaboration, Monjasa expects to offer a comprehensive fuel mix, including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), High-Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO), biofuels and LNG at UAE ports in the future.
Green Zeebrugge is expected to shortly undergo safety and quality inspections by the local authorities in the UAE and will supply Monjasa’s first ever LNG in January 2025.