ExxonMobil, Babcock International Group, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), and the Calorand Orkney Islands Council have signed an agreement to collaborate in what they call the Caledonia LNG project. The aim is to develop the infrastructure, storage and technical support needed to enable safe liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations for customers in the north of the UK and North Sea, including bunkering.

According to ExxonMobil, the parties have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate opportunities to supply LNG for marine and land-based applications.

ExxonMobil said it will explore the potential for its global marine network to deliver LNG bunker fuel to customers in the region as well as providing technical support and expertise to enable safe LNG bunkering operations. Babcock International Group will provide its experience of storage, handling and distribution of LNG, while BSM would be responsible for supervising the building, management and operation of the marine craft and related assets for the project. Calor will investigate opportunities to supply LNG to industrial and automotive sector customers and Orkney Islands Council would supply port services and security.

Commented Luca Volta, LNG Venture manager at ExxonMobil Marine Fuels. “We will also draw upon our extensive global marine network to provide our customers in northern UK and the North Sea with LNG bunker fuel.”

The company also stated that the recent decision by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to implement a global 0.50% sulphur cap on vessel emissions in 2020 is likely to increase demand for compliant low-sulphur fuel options, which could include LNG.