BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 10. TotalEnergies has signed a charter contract with Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal for the construction of a new LNG bunker vessel, boasting a capacity of 18,600 cubic meters, Trend reports.
According to the producer, this addition aims to enhance the company’s global footprint in LNG bunkering hubs, particularly in Oman, where TotalEnergies is actively developing the Marsa LNG project to supply LNG to the shipping sector in the Gulf.
The vessel, which will be owned and operated by Ibaizabal, is designed to provide LNG to a diverse range of vessels, including containerships, tankers, large cruise ships, and ferries, at TotalEnergies’ LNG bunkering hubs. It is set to meet the highest technical and environmental standards, ensuring compliance with the industry’s growing sustainability demands.
LNG serves as an effective marine fuel, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 20% compared to traditional marine fuels. Additionally, it enhances air quality by decreasing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by up to 85%, and virtually eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine particulate matter. These advantages are particularly beneficial when ships are docked, significantly improving the quality of life for communities in port cities and coastal areas.
The vessel is currently under construction at Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China and is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. Once operational, it will join TotalEnergies’ existing fleet of three LNG bunker vessels, which includes the Gas Agility in the Port of Rotterdam, the Gas Vitality in the Port of Marseille, and the Brassavola in the Port of Singapore.
“We are very proud of this agreement with Ibaizabal, which reinforces our position as a key player in LNG bunkering,” said Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of Aviation and Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies. “With the rapid introduction of new LNG-fueled vessels, we are committed to meeting the increasing demand for this fuel and supporting the shipping industry's decarbonization efforts.”
Jorge Zickermann, CEO of Ibaizabal Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Ibaizabal is honored to undertake this project, which aligns with our strategy of decarbonizing the maritime industry in partnership with a leading company in the LNG sector. This agreement also strengthens our long-term relationship with TotalEnergies in shipping.”