The LNG (liquefied natural gas) dual-fuel RORO vessel Glovis Selene made its inaugural visit to Hambantota International Port (HIP) last week, unloading 627 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs) and loading 934 CEUs destined for the Persian Gulf. This marks the second docking of a dual-fuel LNG vessel at HIP, reinforcing the port’s capability to accommodate advanced, environmentally friendly vessels.
Measuring 200 meters in length, 38 meters in width, and with a draft of 8.6 meters, the Glovis Selene features 12 stowage decks with a carrying capacity of 7,000 CEUs. Commissioned in September 2024, this vessel joins the LNG dual-fuel fleet of South Korean shipping leader Hyundai Glovis, one of the top three RORO shipping companies globally in 2023, according to Daily Logistics. Glovis is a key player in maintaining high RORO volumes at HIP and supporting Sri Lanka’s overall shipping traffic.
LNG-powered vessels like the Glovis Selene are increasingly crucial to sustainable maritime operations, merging environmental responsibility with fuel efficiency. They align with international environmental standards, such as the IMO’s global sulfur cap, by significantly reducing emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). This supports shipowners in meeting strict environmental regulations and advancing global decarbonization.
Furthermore, LNG tankers utilize boil-off gas—naturally evaporated LNG during transport—as fuel, effectively managing this byproduct and minimizing its release into the atmosphere. Equipped with dual-fuel engines, these vessels can operate on LNG or heavy fuel oil (HFO), offering enhanced flexibility and fuel efficiency. As the adoption of LNG-fueled tankers grows, they are set to become integral to sustainable and efficient global shipping.
After its call at HIP, the Glovis Selene is scheduled to continue to Port Jebel Ali in Dubai, UAE.