First LNG bunkering at Antwerp

As the maritime industry is introduced to restrictions on the sulphur content of bunker fuel and stricter standards for emissions, the use of LNG as an alternative to gas oil has been under consideration for some time. Ports around the world have been developing their facilities in order to provide shipowners with the necessary LNG resources.

The bunkering of the Argonon represents the Port of Antwerp’s significant step towards more environmentally friendly shipping. Antwerp Port Authority continues to encourage the use of LNG as a fuel for ships and barges and is looking to make LNG available in the port safely and efficiently by 2015, when the stricter IMO regulations come into force.

Spokeswoman for the Port of Antwerp, Annik Dirkx, told Port Strategy: “Being a port that strongly believes in the efforts we have to do to become more sustainable, LNG is of course a fuel in which we see strong potential for the future. That’s why our ambition is to provide LNG bunker facilities in the port of Antwerp by 2015. We are now taking the first steps to achieve this ultimate goal. The bunkering of the Argonon must be seen in this perspective.”

“The port has tendered the market for the building of a LNG bunkership. Several parties have expressed their interest.By mid 2013, we expect to take a step further by selecting the partner with whom we will build this bunkership,” she added.

The port recently carried out a study to identify the safety parameters and procedures for truck-to-ship transfer and has drawn up bunker checklists and guidelines which will form the essential conditions for safe, efficient transfer of LNG within the port area.