Geogas Group is divided into three branches: Geogas Trading, Geogas Maritime and Geogas Entreprise. Additionally, the Group is a 50% shareholder in the Marseille-based ship management company Gazocean. Deputy CEO Victoire Boudet, Technical Department Engineer Antoine Ratouis and Fleet Manager Jean-Marc Baudart discussed ship owning, gas transportation and trading. Report by Antonia Cole.
Geogas Group is committed to the safe and sustainable transportation of liquid gases, Deputy CEO Victoire Boudet said: “Liquified gas is the key to progressing the energy transition. Not only have we been working to limit the impact of LPG transportation, but we have also invested in LNG carriers to expand our capabilities as a group. This has enabled us to operate more sustainably whilst serving clients more effectively.”
Founded in 1979, Geogas is a leader in the safe supply of LPG to customers around the world. Based in Switzerland, the group covers both regional and long-haul journeys, operating with activity on every continent. There are 70 people employed across Geogas Trading and Geogas Maritime. Geogas Entreprise has a workforce of over 400 people and Gazocean employs another 150.
Geogas manages a fleet of 70 LPG vessels, with capacities ranging from 4,000m3 to 91,000m3. The modern and technologically a dvanced fleet is able to manage various
gas sizes and types including pressurised, semi-refrigerated and fully refrigerated gas. Additionally, the group co-owns eight 174,000m3 LNG carriers with NYK.
Per year, Geogas trades and transports 7.2 million tonnes of LPG, which equates to more than five per cent of the world’s seaborne volume. This generates a turnover of four billion US dollars.
“In all of our operations we are committed to serving our customers, protecting the environment and strengthening communities,” added Ms Boudet. “Our vision is to deliver liquified gases across the globe in the safest and most sustainable way possible. Our readiness to adopt new innovations and techniques sets us apart from the industry.”
Optimising transport
One of the ways in which Geogas is operating more sustainably is through weather routing technology. The group has been deploying weather routing advice and tools for oceanic passage for over 15 years. As modern ships generally have smaller power margins or are restricted due to EEXI regulations, ship progression is affected to a greater extent when facing harsh winds, waves or currents. Therefore, navigation becomes much more important. Weather routing optimises fuel consumption and journey times,
minimising environmental impacts and improving safety.
“Weather routing allows us to identify opportunities to run vessels more efficiently while at sea,” explained Technical Department Engineer Antoine Ratouis.
“We work with our partners to improve
routing quality, using historical data to forecast more accurately. However, the safety and security of vessels and crew remain a priority and so the Master is ultimately in command.”
Additionally, Geogas is implementing CO2 reduction equipment into operations. Scrubbers are being used to remove particulate matter, such as sulphur oxide, from exhaust systems. Carbon capture and storage technology prospects also significantly improve the sustainability of Geogas’ operations, promoting more environmentally focused travel.
“Working with sustainable propulsion company Beyond the Sea, we have been investigating and installing innovative kite traction systems into our vessels,” con -
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tinued Mr Ratouis. “This equipment aims to save an average of 20 per cent on fuel and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”
The group has also been exploring the use of sustainable hull paint and dual fuel propulsion. These work to improve the efficiency of vessels, lowering emissions and facilitating flexibility.
Exploring possibilities
Recently, Geogas has made two major investments. The first being the acquisition of a gas distribution network in the Pacific, expanding the group’s global reach, flexibility and capabilities.
The second is a 50% joint venture with NYK, building eight LNG carriers. These vessels are time chartered out to TotalEnergies and Edison, reducing emissions in the maritime and heavy road transport sectors.
“Although we are focused on LPG, it is important for us to explore the benefits of other fuels like LNG and ammonia,” commented Fleet Manager Jean-Marc Baudart.
“As an independent group, we can take advantage of opportunities and have the ability to make quick decisions in response to market advancements.
This is what allows us to stay ahead of the industry. For example, most of our newbuilds are ammonia-prepared and equipped with CO2 reduction technology.”
Geogas has extended its fleet versatility towards ammonia cargo opportunities. By developing ammonia-prepared vessels, the group is equipped for the rising interest in ammonia propulsion and transport. This means that the ships are designed and constructed in a way that allows them to be converted to use ammonia for fuel at a later date, and that they can transport ammonia as cargo at any time.
Geogas’ ships received Bureau Veritas’ ammonia-prepared notation, confirming the fuel tanks, handling equipment and vapour treatment installations will accommodate future ammonia propulsion.
“At Geogas, we are committed to promoting greener technologies in our ESG
objectives,” added Mr Baudart. “LPG, LNG and ammonia gas fuels all support us in achieving these objectives. We are convinced that liquified gas is key in supporting the energy transition, which is why we will continue to develop ideas and progress the industry.
“Whilst the market is not ready for ammonia yet, due to its hazardous nature, we believe there will soon be significant evolutions with this fuel. Ammonia is also a very economical way of transporting hydrogen, which is a rapidly growing market. While the future of fuel is uncertain, being ammonia-prepared opens the door to promising solutions.”
Decarbonising shipping
Geogas plans to be a major player in the green energy transition, with natural gas and LPG playing key parts in making clean energy and power generation a reality around the globe. LPG is a clean-burning fuel and emits fewer harmful emissions than
conventional fossil fuels. It is also safe to handle and easily transported, giving access to remote users and communities.
“LPG fuel holds so much potential as a sustainable alternative,” said Ms Boudet. “Not only is it low-carbon, but it also improves indoor and outdoor air quality, as well as preventing deforestation. However, we are always open to diversification and exploring new possibilities for alternative fuels, such as with our recent venture into LNG ship owning.
“As we are fully dedicated to the decarbonisation of the planet, it is important that we utilise market innovations and research to offer the best options to our
clients. Geogas aims to position itself at the front of industry developments and lead others to a more sustainable future.”
The group hopes to continue its growth, reaching wider and more diverse markets with clean fuel. Geogas works with partners to promote the use of sustainable fuels throughout the industry.
“The world of shipping is at the centre of society as a whole,” continued Ms Boudet, in conclusion. “Having an impact on the industry is really exciting as it affects everyone in both business and daily life. I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve here at Geogas.”