Norway-based technology firm ECOnnect Energy has been contracted to deliver its IQuay F-Class jettyless transfer system for a new liquefied natural gas import terminal being developed by Puerto Bahía in Cartagena Bay, Colombia. The project forms part of a fast-tracked LNG import infrastructure initiative, marking a notable deployment of jettyless transfer technology in South American energy logistics.
Jettyless Transfer Technology at the Fore
The IQuay F-Class system represents ECOnnect Energy’s proprietary approach to LNG ship-to-shore transfer operations that eliminate the need for conventional fixed jetty structures. Rather than relying on traditional berth infrastructure, jettyless solutions are designed to enable cargo transfer directly between an LNG carrier and onshore receiving facilities using purpose-built floating or mooring-integrated systems.
For terminal developers and port operators, jettyless technology offers potential advantages in terms of reduced civil engineering requirements, faster deployment timelines, and greater flexibility in terminal siting — factors that appear particularly relevant to the fast-tracked nature of the Puerto Bahía project. The Cartagena Bay location, a major Colombian port hub, provides strategic access for LNG supply into the regional energy market.
Implications for LNG Cargo Operations
From an operational standpoint, the adoption of jettyless transfer systems introduces considerations that vessel operators and terminal planners must carefully evaluate. LNG transfer in the absence of a conventional fixed jetty requires precise mooring arrangements, robust hose or loading arm configurations, and well-defined operational procedures to maintain safety standards during cargo handling.
As the bulk and gas carrier sectors increasingly encounter LNG bunkering and import infrastructure that diverges from conventional port designs, familiarity with alternative transfer systems becomes operationally relevant. Officers involved in LNG cargo operations should be aware of the procedural and interface differences that jettyless terminals may present compared to standard fixed berth arrangements. Understanding cargo transfer protocols applicable to non-conventional terminal configurations is an area of growing importance as port infrastructure continues to evolve globally.
The Puerto Bahía terminal in Cartagena Bay reflects a broader trend across Latin America and other emerging markets, where energy import infrastructure is being developed rapidly to address growing demand. In such contexts, jettyless and modular terminal solutions are increasingly being evaluated as cost-effective and time-efficient alternatives to large-scale civil construction projects. The fast-tracked nature of this particular terminal underscores the commercial urgency driving these infrastructure decisions.
Technology Deployment and Regulatory Considerations
The deployment of novel transfer systems at LNG import terminals also carries implications from a regulatory and safety oversight perspective. Terminal operators and vessel masters engaging with jettyless infrastructure must ensure that all applicable international standards governing LNG transfer operations are met, including those related to mooring safety, emergency shutdown systems, and personnel protection protocols.
Regulatory bodies and port state control authorities in Colombia and the broader region will have a role in overseeing the commissioning and operational standards of the new facility. Ensuring that both the terminal and visiting LNG carriers meet interface compatibility requirements and applicable safety frameworks will be essential before commercial operations commence.
ECOnnect Energy’s selection for this contract signals continued commercial traction for jettyless LNG transfer technology in international markets. As the company advances delivery of the IQuay F-Class system for the Cartagena Bay terminal, the project will be closely watched by port developers and gas carrier operators seeking alternatives to conventional LNG import infrastructure.
Key Takeaways for Bulk and Gas Carrier Operators
While this project sits primarily within the LNG and gas carrier sector, the operational and infrastructure trends it represents carry relevance for the wider maritime industry. Vessel operators, technical superintendents, and port captains should monitor the progression of jettyless transfer technology as it gains foothold in new markets. Ensuring that crews and shore-based teams are prepared to interface with evolving terminal designs — and that pre-arrival planning accounts for non-standard berth arrangements — will be an increasingly practical requirement as energy import infrastructure continues to diversify across global trade routes.