KUALA LUMPUR: AET, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MISC Bhd, has taken delivery of a Suezmax Dynamic Positioning (DP2) shuttle tanker that has been purpose-built for long-term charter to oil and gas giant Shell.

       In a statement yesterday, AET said the shuttle tanker, Eagle Campos, will be the first of three purpose-built vessels that would be chartered to Brazil Shipping I Ltd, a subsidiary of Shell.

       “AET’s commitment to moving energy in an increasingly responsible and eco-friendly way led to the agreement with Shell in December 2019 to operate the three Suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers in the international and Brazilian basin on a long-term charter, with Eagle Campos being the first in this series.

       “She was delivered to AET on Jan 5, 2022 and will commence operations in Brazil, joining Eagle Pilar which AET already operates there for Shell.”

       Shuttle tankers are used for the offloading and transporting oil from offshore oil installations.

       AET said Eagle Campos’ two sister vessels are under construction at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan, South Korea and due to be delivered later this year.

       “AET and Eaglestar site teams have been working closely together with the HHI team to ensure that all health and safety precautions were in place, to safeguard the construction and delivery of the vessels during the pandemic.”

       In the same statement, AET dynamic positioning shuttle tankers (DPST) global director Amit Pal said the delivery of Eagle Campos is another milestone in the company’s growing partnership with Shell, globally.

       “Constructing, fulfilling the stringent tests and delivering Eagle Campos safely during an ongoing pandemic is a huge achievement and evidence to the persevered dedication of all parties involved.

       “This accomplishment showcases the unity across the industry to deliver innovative solutions which contribute to a brighter future and create a sustainable global trade network.”

       Amit added that the vessel delivery had fortified AET’s position as a leading owner and operator of 12 of highly specialised DP shuttle tankers globally, with eight vessels (including Eagle Campos) currently operating in the Brazilian basin.

       “Witnessing the fruition of our agreement with Shell signifies the commitment from both parties to high-quality, safe and responsible operations,” he said.

       Meanwhile, AET said the DP2 vessel, which has a deadweight tonnage of 153,000, has been built to Shell’s technical requirements for DP2 shuttle tankers in Brazil and will operate to the highest operational and environmental standards.

       Eagle Campos is equipped with electrical-driven variable frequency drive cargo pumps and high-power thrusters for enhanced fuel efficiency and is fully capable of operating in weather conditions expected for their class.

       “The eco-efficient vessel is also fitted with energy-saving devices such as the hi pre-swirl duct and rudder bulb for improved propulsion efficiency and is already energy efficiency ship index phase two-compliant before the regulations come into effect,” the company said.