The Flemish government and the port authorities of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Ghent and Fluxys have published a feasibility study on LNG bunkering. DNV provided a market forecasting study, a regulatory analysis and modelled the LNG supply logistics. The Flemish government is now acting on DNV recommendations to ensure the safe introduction of LNG bunkering at Flemish seaports.
Strategic and Tactical Support Tool
The market study led to a forecasted LNG bunkering demand for each port derived from shipping and world energy market forecasts, while the logistics model allows the ports to simulate, compare and calculate costs of different LNG bunkering supply chain options. The combined results serve as a strategic and tactical decision support tool for the ports in developing their LNG bunkering infrastructure.
List of Standards and Regulations
The legal and regulatory analysis resulted in a comprehensive listing of applicable local, regional, national, European and international standards and regulations as well as in 23 concrete recommendations indicating gaps in the current framework.
Need for Procedures and Training
This part of the report is now available online and the recommendations include the need to develop operational bunkering procedures, and procedures for metering, measurement, fuel sampling and quality control. Additionally, there is a need to initiate the process for accreditation of LNG bunkering companies and a need to perform a training needs analysis for people who board LNG fuelled vessels in their line of duty, for example ship pilots, surveyors, government inspectors, customs officials and rescue services personnel.
LNG Rising in Popularity
'Shipowners are working hard to meet the increasingly strict emissions requirements and ports are now responding as the popularity of LNG is becoming apparent,' says Torgeir Sterri, DNV Regional Manager Central Europe. It is anticipated that within the next years a considerable share of ships will be LNG fuelled, particularly in short-sea shipping and especially in Emission Control Areas. Ports are gearing up to accommodate this transition and a significant increase in the number of LNG bunkering facilities is expected by 2020.
Source: DNV
Picture: Port of Antwerp
