Zim and Shell complete first LNG bunkering under 10-year agreement

ZIM and Shell have completed what they claim is the first LNG bunkering operation in Jamaican waters, involving the first of ten Zim containerships included in a 10-year LNG supply agreement.

Containership Zim Sammy Ofer was bunkered at Jamaica’s Kingston Freeport Terminal on 26 March.

Like the nine other vessels covered by Zim’s LNG sales and purchase agreement with Shell, Zim Sammy Ofer is an LNG duel-fuelled containership with a 15,000 TEU capacity.

Zim plans to deploy the ten ships on its Container Service Pacific (ZCP) trade line.  

Zim executive vice president COO David Arbel said Zim Sammy Ofer was bunkered safely and efficiently.

“This is the first vessel in our growing LNG-powered fleet that will enable Zim to be more carbon and cost efficient, thereby improving our competitive position, particularly on the strategic Asia to USEC trade, and allowing customers to reduce their carbon footprint,” Mr Arbel said.

Tahir Faruqui, general manager, head of downstream LNG at Shell, said the landmark bunkering expands Shell’s LNG bunkering to the Caribbean region.

“With every new bunkering location added to our footprint, we are demonstrating LNG as the lowest-carbon fuel available at scale today, enabling the shipping sector to start decarbonising,” he said.

“Kingston, Jamaica is a new LNG bunkering location for Shell, expanding its global LNG bunkering network to 16 locations, across 11 countries.

“To date, Shell has already achieved over 1000 safe ship-to-ship bunkering operations to its customers.”

Zim said the Maritime Authority of Jamaica also supported the operation by enabling LNG bunkering in its waters.

Rear Admiral Peter Brady, director-general at the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, said the organisation was proud to offer and promote LNG bunkering.

“Decarbonisation of the shipping industry is critical and, being readily available today, LNG is a key part of the transition to cleaner marine fuels,” he said.

“This offering will not only grow local businesses but also encourage companies to embrace sustainable solutions.”