Seaspan has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global energy corporation AES to provide LNG bunkering services to cargo vessels transiting the Panama Canal.
AES is working on a project to extend the aforementioned port, which includes a new LNG refuelling infrastructure in methane tankers (Ship Loading Facility) and the arrival of a small-scale methane ship to Panama, provided by Seaspan ULC, earmarked for final LNG delivery.
This will enable the commercialisation of LNG as naval fuel in the second half of 2024, and eventually the distribution of this form of environmentally benign hydrocarbon in other alternative regional markets.
The Ship Loading Facility is set to open in November as part of the services provided by the Costa Norte LNG terminal in the Panamanian province of Colon.
READ: Seaspan signs contract for six more 15,000 TEU vessels
This facility aims to transform the regional energy market by allowing the terminal to provide services to the LNG industry.
Ian McIver, President of Seaspan Energy, said: “Seaspan is proud to collaborate with AES to provide LNG bunkering in the Panama region and lead the way in providing energy transformation opportunities in the global marine sector.
“Together we will provide low-carbon solutions for ship owners who want to decarbonise their operations and transition to cleaner marine fuels.”
Miguel Bolinaga, President of AES in Panama, stated: “We are on the doorstep of a new era in sustainable energy. The collaboration with our shipowner partner and the innovations at our Costa Norte Terminal position us as leaders in driving sustainable, efficient and affordable solutions to meet the growing demands of the market.”
In November 2022, Poseidon Acquisition Corp. (Poseidon) announced it will buy out Seaspan owner Atlas in a deal worth almost $11 billion.
Three months later, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Seaspan Corporation successfully concluded their second joint crisis management drill.
