Working Conditions Aboard the Coral-Energy

On September 18, 2022, Greenpeace activists made headlines by staging a protest at the Tornio regasification terminal in Finland, shining a spotlight on the controversial shipments linked to Russia's Vysotsk LNG project. This project is a collaboration between Novatek, Russia's largest independent gas producer, and Gazprombank, the country’s leading financial institution. The protests intensified as demonstrators climbed the loading arms and paddled around the terminal, aiming to prevent the LNG carrier 'Coral Energice' (IMO: 9783124) from mooring. The protest resulted in a significant delay of 24 hours for the unloading of cargo, which had been ordered by Finnish gas importer Gasum. In a statement, Greenpeace Norden expressed their outrage, highlighting the Finnish government’s ongoing imports of fossil fuels that contribute to financing the war in Ukraine. "It is incomprehensible that the government led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin continues to allow the importation of fossil fuels amid a war that has now been ongoing for more than six months. Finland must impose an immediate ban on Russian fossil fuel imports and direct Gasum to stop sourcing gas from Russia," they stated. Currently, Gasum has been importing an average of two LNG cargoes each month from the Vysotsk project. A representative from the company clarified that these deliveries are part of a long-term contract with Gazprom Export, which includes a take-or-pay clause mandating annual LNG acquisition from Russia. In a related development, another LNG carrier, the 'Coral Energy,' arrived in Hamina on September 19 to load LNG destined for the Hamina LNG facility, which is nearing the commissioning phase. The facility's storage tank will begin cooling operations, needing to reach a temperature of minus-162 degrees Celsius to prepare for the gas safely. The initial cargo is anticipated to occupy approximately half of the storage capacity at Hamina's 30,000 cubic meter facility. Despite these operations, Gasum has indicated that there are no immediate plans for additional LNG deliveries to the terminal outside of contracts, specifically not from the spot market. The Hamina terminal aims to integrate directly with Finland's pipeline network to compensate for the dwindling supplies of Russian pipeline gas. Greenpeace remains vigilant, monitoring the potential acquisition of larger Russian LNG cargo that may arise from the spot market for an upcoming regasification project jointly developed by Finland and Estonia. The Finland-Estonia LNG project plans to establish receiving terminals and storage facilities at Paldiski and Inkoo, respectively, utilizing the chartered 'Exemplar FSRU,' a floating storage and regasification unit. This vessel will alternate between the two ports to meet demand. In May, Finland’s state-owned Gasgrid signed a 10-year agreement with Excelerate Energy for the charter of the 'Exemplar FSRU,' which boasts a storage capacity of 150,900 cubic meters. Currently located in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa, the vessel had recently traveled from Argentina to its current location.

In a bold stand against fossil fuel imports, Greenpeace activists successfully disrupted the delivery of Russian gas by the ‘Coral Energy’ at Gasum's LNG terminal in Nynäshamn. The tanker, which set sail from Pori on the afternoon of September 7, 2022, was en route to offload its cargo of Russian gas at the terminal. However, on September 8, the ‘Coral Energy’ found itself circling outside the loading dock as Greenpeace activists took action to prevent the vessel from docking. The on-site Greenpeace sailing vessel, ‘Witness,’ along with activists in kayaks, formed a blockade outside the terminal, effectively halting the ship’s progress. Local police were also present, monitoring the escalating situation. Greenpeace is urging the Swedish government to immediately halt all imports of Russian fossil gas, emphasizing, 'It is unacceptable that Russian fossil gas continues to flow into Sweden, especially more than six months after Putin's aggressive invasion of Ukraine. Every drop of fossil fuel from Russia contributes to funding this war.' For additional details and visuals, visit: https://www.hbl.fi/artikel/d3c4bdc3-ece1-4e34-b862-2f86d4de48c6

On December 7, 2012, the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam was the site of a grand celebration as Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands officiated the naming ceremony of the newly constructed LNG carrier, Coral Energy. Built by Meyer Werft for Anthony Veder Gas Shipping, Coral Energy stands out as the world’s first direct-driven dual-fuel ice-class 1A LNG carrier, heralding a significant advancement in the transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This innovative LNG carrier was specially designed for Skangass, a Norwegian gas supplier, aiming to enhance their footprint in the Scandinavian LNG market. The event marked a pivotal moment in maritime history, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and efficiency in LNG transportation.