A Skangas vessel. Credit: Skangas.

Norway-based Skangas has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands’ Titan LNG to jointly develop a single-stop liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering solution to benefit ship operators.

The collaborative project also intends to make LNG available for marine customers across the wider European region, as well as optimise LNG delivery services.

Skangas CEO Kimmo Rahkamo said: “This is a step in the right directions for us.

“Having invested heavily in making LNG available for the market in the Nordics, we can now gain from our experience and know-how in new geographical areas.

“This memorandum can lead to a win-win-situation for both our marine customers and our two companies.”

In addition, the initiative is expected to drive the development of innovative solutions and operational excellence during Titan LNG and Skangas’ respective activities.

“Having invested heavily in making LNG available for the market in the Nordics, we can now gain from our experience and know-how in new geographical areas.”

Titan LNG CEO Niels Nijs said: “Vessels require flexibility in order to trade profitably and need to bunker in a variety of ports.

“Hence, ship operators need flexible, reliable and rapid deliveries of LNG.

“By partnering with Skangas we will develop a broader delivery scope for the operators of LNG-powered vessels.

“For shipowners considering if they should go for LNG as their new fuel, there is now even less to worry about as we can assist them with both design and increased LNG availability.”

Titan LNG expects to take delivery of a LNG bunkering pontoon known as FlexFueler1 by the third quarter of next year.

The pontoon will be deployed to serve the Netherlands’ Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA) region.

Skangas currently operates two LNG-bunkering vessels that serve the Baltic Sea and North Sea respectively.