Keppel secures contract to build LNG carriers worth over S$100m
Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Keppel Singmarine, has strengthened its track record in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-related business by securing a contract worth a total of S$103 million to build two LNG carrier vessels for Stolt-Nielsen Gas B.V. (Stolt-Nielsen Gas), a subsidiary of Stolt-Nielsen Limited, the company said in its press release.
As part of the contract, Keppel Singmarine has also secured options to build another three similar units for Stolt-Nielsen Gas. The latter has 6, 12 and 18 months from the effective date of the contract to exercise the options respectively.
The LNG carriers are expected to be completed in 2Q and 3Q 2019 respectively. They will each have a capacity of 7,500 metre cube, and come equipped with engines that can run on both diesel and LNG. The carriers will have a class notation for bunkering which adds to their versatility to not only transport but also provide LNG bunkering services if required.
There is a growing demand for small-scale LNG carriers especially for end users located in remote areas not served by pipelines. Tighter regulation on emissions continues to encourage growth in small-scale LNG projects which are economical and quick to market.
As a specialised shipbuilder, Keppel Singmarine is at the forefront of developing vessels that can run on LNG. In October 2016, it secured orders to build two dual-fuel (diesel/ LNG) harbour tugs based on its award-winning proprietary design. The 65-tonne bollard pull capacity tugs can run on both LNG and diesel fuel and was awarded the Outstanding Maritime R&D and Technology Award by MPA.
About Keppel Offshore & Marine
Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) is a global leader in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion, and specialised shipbuilding. Its Near Market, Near Customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, Keppel O&M aims to be the provider of choice and partner for solutions for the offshore and marine industry.
