STX Offshore & Shipbuilding advances into a LNG bunkering shuttle market which supplies LNG fuel to LNG-propelled vessel from offshore.

STX announced on October 22 at KORMARINE 2013 being held in Busan that the Korean builder had received the world's first AIP certification for its in-house developed LNG bunkering shuttle from French classification society BV.

AIP certification verifies suitability of vessel's basic design which means STX is now able to ink contracts for LNG bunkering shuttle.  

The LNG bunkering shuttle designed by STX was developed with a major purpose of supplying fuels to large LNG-propelled vessel from offshore however it can also provide not only LNG but also heavy fuel oil (HFO) as a multiple purpose vessel.

The cabin is located at ship front thus navigator can easily secure sight. Moreover, the vessel equips Azimuth Thruster and Tunnel Thruster that operation cost can be reduced since it is easier approaching to other vessels or ports even without a tug boat with enhanced directional control.

STX is showing a strong confidence in prospects for success of LNG bunkering shuttle.

Amid International Maritime Organization (IMO) strengthening regulations of ship exhaust emissions, demand for LNG-propelled vessel is rapidly increasing as price of LNG gets stabilized following after shale-gas development, thus outlook for LNG bunkering shuttle market is considerably positive.

An official from STX said, "In the market of LNG bunkering shuttle, as we secured a dominant position of technology over rivals, we will surely preoccupy the market through aggressive new order activity."