Shell orders two LNG carriers for Hazira
Shell has at last issued a formal statement setting out in some detail its future plans for delivery of LNG to Hazira in Gujarat.
In the last issue of Petrowatch we reported that Shell plans to construct two LNG carriers that will ply LNG back and forth to Gujarat from suppliers in the Middle East and southeast Asia. On 18th July Shell confirmed this with an announcement that it has ordered two LNG carriers from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to ensure early supply of LNG to customers in Gujarat.
"The ships can assist in the start up of our Hazira LNG Terminal Project in Gujarat while long term shipping requirements are resolved," said Dick de Jong, Director of Shell Gas & Powers global business, "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries were able to provide the best available package, which included early delivery to allow us to ensure timely supply to our customers. The statement said the carriers will be delivered in third quarter 2002 and first quarter 2003.
Shell said the vessels will have the following dimensions and characteristics: Overall Length 290 metres Length between perpendiculars 276 metres Breadth moulded 46 metres Depth moulded 25.5 metres Scantling draft moulded 12 metres Design draft moulded 11 metres Deadweight on design draft 67,300 metric tons Capacity of LNG 135,000 cubic metres at 98.8% cargo tank Filling ratio and tank temperature -163 degrees Celsius Main propulsion plant Marine steam turbine SHP metric (at MCR) 21,320 Kw Containment system Moss The statement adds that the vessels will be manned and operated by Shell International Trading & Shipping Company (STASCO). According to Shell, STASCO manages around 20 LNG ships and has a project interest in a further ten.
More than 7,000 cargoes (or 26% of all LNG cargoes ever delivered), said the company, have had Shell involvement. Fine.
All we need now is confirmation of an LNG source ()