Total charters four new LNG-powered vessels

Total is pursuing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in maritime transport by chartering four Aframax-type vessels equipped with LNG propulsion.

The vessels, each with a capacity of 110,000 tonnes of crude oil or refined products, will be delivered in 2023 and will join the company’s  time-chartered fleet. The first two vessels will be chartered from shipowner Hafnia, and the remaining two from Viken Shipping.

The vessels have been designed with the most efficient LNG propulsion technologies to reduce emissions, allowing a significant decrease in GHG emissions of more than 5,000 t/y per ship compared to conventional vessels. 

‘This chartering contract is in line with our climate ambition and will contribute to our net zero carbon neutrality target by 2050 or before,’ says Luc Gillet, Senior Vice President Shipping, Total. ‘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.’

According to Total, compared to ships powered by fuel oil, the use of LNG results in a 99% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions, 99% of fine particles emissions, up to 85% of nitrogen oxide emissions and about 20% of GHG emissions.