Total charters four LNG-powered Aframax-type vessels

French oil and gas giant Total said that it is chartering four Aframax-type vessels equipped with LNG propulsion (LNG) as part of its strategy for cutting down greenhouse gases emissions in maritime transportation.

The LNG-powered vessels have a capacity of 110,000 tons each of crude oil or refined products. Slated to be delivered in 2023, the Aframax-type vessels will join Total’s time-chartered fleet.

While the first two vessels will be chartered from Hafnia, a Singaporean shipowner, the remaining two will be chartered from Norwegian shipowning company Viken Shipping.

French oil and gas giant Total charters four LNG-powered Aframax-type vessels. Photo courtesy of Total.

According to Total, the Aframax-type vessels are driven by the most efficient LNG propulsion technologies for reducing emissions, thereby facilitating a considerable decrease in Greenhouse Gases, of over 5,000 tons annually and per ship compared to conventional vessels.

Luc Gillet – Senior Vice President of Total Shipping said: “This chartering contract is in line with our Climate Ambition and will contribute to our Net Zero carbon neutrality target by 2050 or before. This contract follows a similar one, signed earlier this year, for two LNG-powered VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers), to be delivered in 2022.

“LNG as a Marine Fuel remains the best and immediately available solution to reduce the carbon footprint of our shipping activities. With these four new vessels, we reaffirm our commitment to expand the use of cleaner marine fuels, for a more sustainable shipping”.

Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions, the dedicated business unit of Total which handles its worldwide bunkering activities, will supply LNG for the four Aframax-type vessels.