Tritec Marine and Stena LNG have collaborated to create the innovative SAFE Bunker concept. SAFE Bunker is an LNG bunker/feeder vessel of payload capacity of 7,500 m³ with 2C type tanks and offsets accommodation.

The vessel is designed with dual fuel diesel-electric engines and podded propulsors in the bow and the stern. The pods can also be utilized for dynamic positioning (DP) during refueling operations.

The location of the cargo control room (at the top of the accommodation block) in combination to the DP capability enables SAFE bunkering by alleviating contact between the two vessels even in less favorable weather conditions.

Although SAFE Bunker pushes the boundaries of the current regulatory framework, it received approval in principle by ABS in October 2019.

The LNG bunkering industry has seen significant growth and maturity, a trend which is expected to continue throughout the decade and beyond. This is achieved largely due to concerted efforts of the industry with regulatory bodies, equipment makers and academia, and have resulted in significant improvements in the design and operation of modern merchant ships, and in this case liquified gas carriers.

The ability to configure ships in alternative (often unconventional) ways and confidently predict their performance has led investors and traders to explore new markets and seek solutions which are fit-for-purpose, versatile and cost-effective. These three elements permeate every design concept of a floating asset and bunker ships are no exemption.

The shipping industry has come to realize that the available bunker vessels of today have limited capability to avoid side contact while delivering fuel, something echoed by cruise liner sector amongst others. The solution to this problem should not only guarantee delivery of LNG bunker in a safe and efficient manner but should also eliminate the contact with the receiving vessel.

In response to the challenges of vessel interaction, the concept of SAFE Bunker was developed.