First LNG bunkering in Polish ports

On 13 March, 54t (32,000 Nm3) of LNG were pumped into Fure Valo, owned by Gothia Tankers, which plans to increase its LNG-powered fleet to six such vessels by the end of the year. The second bunkering operation was performed on 18 March, when 18t (10,800 Nm3) of LNG were loaded into JT Cement’s Ireland, from a single container.

“I am glad that, in line with our last year’s declarations, we completed the first fully commercial LNG bunkering of ships in Poland,” said Henryk Mucha, president of the Management Board of PGNiG. “It is a milestone in the development of LNG bunkering at Polish sea ports, which will greatly enhance their competitiveness.”

Competition-boosting

As well as promote the use of LNG in the Baltic Sea, the operations are set to continue cooperation in LNG bunkering and enhance the competitiveness of Polish ports.

To increase the popularity of LNG, LNG logistics and bunkering infrastructure needs to be developed said Patryk Demski, vice president of the management board of Grupa LOTOS S.A., chief investment and innovation officer.

“To this end, Grupa LOTOS have become involved in conducting a feasibility study for the construction of a small-scale LNG handling terminal in Gdańsk, which is partly financed by the European Union (CEF),” said Mr Demski.

LNG bunkering services are a fixed component of PGNiG’s and LOTOS’s offering and may be provided both at the Port of Gdańsk and the Port of Gdynia.

In Poland, refuelling points for LNG are due to be available in Gdańsk, Gdynia, Szczecin, and Świnoujście.