[August 2, 2017, Incheon, Republic of Korea]

AT the 4th Annual LNG Bunkering 2017 Conference held in Singapore, the Incheon Port Authority (IPA) passed on its operating knowhow of ‘ECO NURI’, the first LNG fuel-propelled ship in Asia, to LNG bunkering-related officials from around the world. 

On August 1st, the IPA announced that it was invited to the 4th Annual LNG Bunkering 2017 Conference held in Hilton Singapore Hotel located at Orchard Road for 4 days starting July 25th and made a presentation on the topic of “The IPA’s Operations of ECO NURI and LNG Bunkering Construction Outlook in the Port of Incheon”.

‘ECO NURI’ is Asia’s first LNG-fueled ship which has been operated by the IPA since July 2013 to strengthen the Port of Incheon’s international marketing competitiveness and build an eco-friendly port.

In its presentation, the IPA explained that if ‘ECO NURI’ travels 10,643km at 14.5 knots* based on its last year records, it would consume about KRW 12.2 million (US 10,900 dollars) of LNG fuels. Compared to diesel engine (KRW 16.5 million (US 14,700 dollars)), it can save by 24%.

*1 knot (kn)=1.852km/h

The IPA also introduced its current truck to ship (TTS)-based LNG bunking procedures and unveiled its safety measures such as filling the fuel tank up to 85% considering its pressure and supply of seawater to prevent damage on the hull due to LNG leakage. The South Korean government agency also said that it owns a cylindrical (Type C) LNG fuel tank which is relatively stable against pressure, compared to conventional rectangular tank-type (square) fuel tanks.

Lastly, the IPA emphasized a necessity of having internationally standardized regulations and safety management guidelines to be well prepared against the expansion of domestic LNG bunkering industry. In addition, the governmental authority mentioned that the related laws should be amended for ship to ship (STS)-based LNG supply.

This conference was a great opportunity to figure out the possibility of LNG fuel as a substitute for conventional fuels and analyze the policies to be prepared against LNG bunkering from shippers and each country’s port authority, regarding the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s provision which regulates sulfur contents in an international ship’s fuel to 0.5% or lower starting 2020.

An official from the IPA said, “With this conference, we were able to see current global trends such as the Port of Singapore’s plan to build LNG bunking facilities and Japan’s promotion for LNG fuel business”. He continued, “In preparation for the increase in the number of LNG fueled vessels, the Port of Incheon will keep closely watching the LNG bunking industry and be well prepared”.

Meanwhile, the IPA is slated to host a seminar on the environment-friendly policies of the Port of Incheon including the operations of ECO NURI and understanding of LNG fueled vessels in October this year.

※ Picture dex-x-x-scription

- At the 4th Annual LNG Bunkering 2017 Conference held in Singapore on July 26th, an official from the IPA is making a presentation on its operations of ECO NURI, Asia’s first LNG-fueled ship, and LNG bunkering facility plan.

* Picture provided by: The IPA

□ Specifications of ECO NURI

□ Operations of ECO NURI

○ (Target) Officials from shipping, port and logistics industries and general public*

○ (Performances) 98 times on average, 2,350 people on board (average of the past three years)

․(2014) 82 times, 2,002 people

․(2015) 105 times, 2,680 people

․(2016) 107 times, 2,370 people