ExxonMobil, Eagle LNG Partners LLC and Crowley sign liquefied natural gas collaboration agreement

ExxonMobil, Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG Partners) and Crowley have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. The goal is to establish the storage and technical support necessary to provide safe, reliable LNG delivery for vessel operators bunkering in North America.

The three companies will initially focus their efforts in Florida before expanding to other North American markets.

ExxonMobil will provide its technical support and expertise to help the parties carry out safe bunkering operations and sell LNG bunker fuel to vessel operators. Eagle LNG Partners will supply the LNG and will design, build and operate small-scale production and storage facilities as well as coordinate land-based LNG transportation. Crowley will provide bunker logistics and ensure safe and reliable operations.

The decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to introduce a global 0.50% sulphur cap on vessel emissions in 2020 will impact bunker fuel selection. The companies believe that the marine industry is heading for a multi-fuel future that will include low-sulphur options, with LNG an important part of that mix.