Lopez-led First Gen Corporation has signed a ten-year time charter party with Maersk affiliate Svitzer for towage and vessel support service requirements of its interim offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project in Batangas City.
First Gen said Svitzer will provide four new build 75-ton bollard pull tug vessels with class notation under Lloyd’s Register that will assist the floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) of the LNG project for berthing, unberthing, navigation assistance, and other services.
The Lopezes’ power arm is developing the project to speed up its timelines, so it could commence operations as early as the third quarter of 2022. Once completed, the terminal would serve First Gen’s existing and future LNG requirements.
Back in April, First Gen named Norwegian firm BW Gas as the terminal’s FSRU provider.
The LNG terminal is seen to play a critical role in ensuring the energy security of the Luzon Grid and the country, with the depleting resources of the Malampaya gas field.
All of First Gen’s gas plants in Batangas City feed on fuel from Malampaya, the country’s only major source of natural gas. Malampaya accounts for a fifth of the country’s total electricity needs.
Svitzer is a global towage services provider operating across more than 30 countries in more than 138 ports and terminals. It is also engaged in marine services and has long-term contracts with other industry leaders in the petroleum sector.
