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19 January 2012

Belgian Ports Look into LNG Bunkering Facilities

The Flemish government has contracted DNV to undertake a feasibility study for the provision of LNG bunkering facilities at the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Ghent in Belgium.

The contract consists of a market survey, a risk and safety analysis, and modelling of the logistics, legal and regulatory requirements needed to establish LNG bunkering infrastructure at the ports.

Cutting Emissions

Burning LNG as fuel reduces SOx and particulate emissions by 100%, NOx emissions by approximately 90% and CO2 emissions by approximately 20% compared to heavy fuel oil use. Currently, there are 22 LNG-fuelled ships in operation – all classed by DNV. In addition, DNV has eighteen signed newbuilding contracts and three ships scheduled to be converted for LNG fuel.

LNG Popular in Emission Control Areas

By 2020 it is anticipated that the majority of new ships will use LNG as fuel, especially short-sea ships operating in Emission Control Areas such as the waters of Belgium. Signs of recognition of this growing market have been seen right across Northern Europe. Norway has so far been the frontrunner, but late October contracts were signed in Brunsbüttel in Germany too where a decision was made to offer bunkering of LNG in the Elbehafen.

DNV’s LNG Projects

DNV has been involved in several projects for LNG import terminals in Europe including Rotterdam’s GATE terminal and has also contributed to ‘A feasibility study for an LNG filling station infrastructure and test of recommendations’ published in October 2011 by the Danish Maritime Authority.

ISO Working Group for LNG Operation

A prerequisite for the widespread use of LNG in shipping globally is a functional and standardised bunkering infrastructure and DNV heads the ISO working group tasked with the development of internationally agreed guidelines.

Source: DNV

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