More Ports Look to LNG Bunkering
Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, Port of Marseille Fos and Port of Vancouver have joined the Port of Singapore and seven other organizations to participate in an international LNG bunkering port focus group.
The aim of the group is to strengthen the network of LNG bunker-ready ports and to bolster efforts towards enabling the uptake of LNG as marine fuel.
With this expansion, the network will comprise a total of eleven ports and maritime administrations across Asia, Europe and North America. The focus group was first formed in 2014 by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Antwerp Port Authority, Port of Rotterdam and Port of Zeebrugge. In 2016, Asian representation in the LNG bunkering focus group increased with the joining of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan and Ulsan Port Authority, Republic of Korea.
SEA/LNG
Separately, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) has joined SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel.
SEA\LNG and its member organizations continue to advocate for the need to collaborate, demonstrate and communicate on key areas such as safety, regulation, emissions and the economic case, to provide the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global marine LNG value chain by 2020.
SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller said: “Ports around the world are taking LNG seriously. As customers begin to adopt LNG as a viable, scalable solution, ports are recognizing that it’s an essential part of a strong future fuel offering.”
Japan is the world’s biggest importer of LNG, with 35 regasification terminals. In 2016, it accounted for about 34 percent of global imports, representing some 86 million tons of LNG. As such, Japan, is well placed in terms of both infrastructure and supply to become a major LNG bunkering hub.
Masamichi Morooka, President and CEO of Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation said: “From a geographical perspective, the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki are perfectly placed to serve as the first or last bunkering points on the Asian side of the Trans-Pacific route. Since August 2015, the port of Yokohama has accommodated an LNG-fuelled tugboat, NYK-owned Sakigake, which has provided us with LNG bunkering experience and enabled YKIP to develop its understanding of technical improvements and safety management. Working with the SEA\LNG coalition, we aim to play our part in encouraging adoption of LNG across the globe and increase awareness of the advantages for ports.”
YKIP is the second Japanese organization to join the SEA\LNG coalition in a matter of weeks, following the recently announced addition of Marubeni Corporation. This takes the latest membership tally to 26 and highlights the industry’s growing recognition of LNG as a cost effective, safe and more environmentally friendly long-term fuelling solution.
SEA\LNG brings together key players from across the supply chain, including shipping companies, classification societies, ports, major LNG suppliers, downstream companies, infrastructure providers and original equipment manufacturers to address market barriers and transform the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
SEA\LNG is a not for profit collaborative industry foundation and its members include: ABS, Bureau Veritas, Carnival Corporation & plc, Clean Marine Energy, DNV GL, Eagle LNG Partners, ENGIE, ENN Group, Gas Natural Fenosa, GE, GTT, JAX LNG, Keppel Gas Technology, Lloyd’s Register, Marubeni Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, NYK Line, Petronet LNG, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell, Total, TOTE Inc., Toyota Tsusho, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), and Wärtsilä.
The SEA\LNG coalition was established by Xynteo, a platform for galvanising leaders and catalysing ideas – and fusing them into new projects, for new growth.