AN LNG bunkering operation involving Hapag-Lloyd’s new 23,600-TEU ship Berlin Express has concluded in China.

Berlin Express was delivered in June this year and is currently on its maiden voyage. It is the first of 12 newbuilds of the same capacity, with dual-fuel propulsion, that Hapag-Lloyd has ordered from Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea.

Miami-headquartered World Fuel Services, which refuelled the containership, claims the operation was the first LNG bunkering in China for Hapag-Lloyd.

It said Berlin Express is the second carrier to be refuelled with bonded LNG at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.

With the support of both the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port authority and local supplier CNOOC, the dual-fuel Berlin Express took delivery of 6000 cubic meters of bonded LNG fuel in an operation that lasted around 20 hours.

“The refuelling of our new Berlin Express demonstrates great collaboration and innovation to achieve efficient LNG bunkering at a major international port,” Hapag-Lloyd head of global fuel purchasing Jan Christensen said.

“It’s a first of many steps forward in our journey to a low-carbon future and illustrates what can be achieved when suppliers and port authorities coordinate operations and work together towards a greener global shipping industry.”

And Mark Tamsitt, senior vice president marine, EMEA and Asia at World Fuel Services, said World Fuel was dedicated to accelerating the energy transition by connecting customers with suppliers and ports.

“The successful LNG fuelling of Hapag Lloyd’s Berlin Express exemplifies the power of collaboration, with support from the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Authority and local supplier CNOOC,” Mr Tamsitt said.

“By working together, we can support the movement towards a more sustainable future in the marine sector, reducing emissions and fostering a cleaner, greener industry.

“World Fuel remains committed to driving innovation, cultivating collaboration, and bringing to market fuels that align with our customer’s emission goals as we lead the way towards a more sustainable marine industry.”

In a social media post, Hapag-Lloyd said the second of the 12 vessels, Manila Express, is due for delivery in August 2023.