As the number of LNG-powered vessels grows, the Port of Gothenburg is introducing new regulations for LNG bunkering – the first in Sweden.
Drafted with the Port of Rotterdam and the Swedish Transport Agency, Gothenburg Port Authority’s (GPA) new bunkering regulations for ships operating on LNG allow cargo ships to bunker LNG at a cargo terminal.
"We firmly believe that liquefied natural gas is the marine fuel of the future. The new regulations will have a key role to play in bringing added momentum to our region," said Dan-Erik Andersson, vice president operations, Port of Gothenburg Energy Port.
The new regulations not only cover bunkering from land using a road truck but also ship-to-ship bunkering. Requirements governing safety zones, weather, bunker vessels, receiving vessels, terminals and other aspects are included in the new operating regulations.
GPA says its new regulations have already been well received. "It is particularly pleasing that many ports in Sweden and in other countries have shown great interest in what we have done and are formulating their regulations using our regulations as a template,” added Mr Andersson. “Even public agencies such as the US Coastguard have contacted us and are interested in an exchange of knowledge.”
By next year, the port expects to receive a visit by LNG-powered ships once or twice a week next year, with tanker operators Terntank, Furetank and Thun Tankers are all due to launch new ships that will be equipped to run on LNG.
For the time being, natural gas will come from terminals outside Gothenburg although eventually there will be an import terminal for LNG at the Port of Gothenburg.
LNG-powered vessels will also receive a 30% discount on port dues when they visit the port – a new tariff introduced by the port authority earlier this year.
"Our considerably discounted port charge, together with the new regulations, will provide an excellent incentive for our shipping company clients to switch from oil to liquefied natural gas," concluded Mr Andersson.
