GAC plans Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge

GAC Bunker Fuels, a division of the Dubai-based GAC Group, is planning to issue a request for proposal to U.S. yards to build a Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge. The vessel will be constructed, owned, and operated by another third party.

Under the Jones Act, ships operating in U.S. domestic waters must be built in the United States. The barge would have the flexibility in size and design to serve multiple shipping customers and is expected to be operational in 2023.

The newbuilding is needed after GAC Bunker Fuels and U.S. company Puget LNG signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the supply and sale of LNG marine fuel from Puget LNG’s terminal, Tacoma, to GAC’s customers in the U.S. Pacific Northwest region. Loading from Puget LNG’s terminal in Tacoma, the barge will be able to bunker vessels in port.