Barcelona LNG focus

This agreement will involve initiatives to be developed jointly to convert the Port of Barcelona into an LNG distribution hub in the Mediterranean.

Sixte Cambra, president, Port of Barcelona, said that the main benefit of switching its focus to LNG will be the reduction of gaseous and particulate matter, resulting in improved air quality for the environment and the city. It also wants to attract new shipping lines with modern LNG-fuelled ships.

The port already has an LNG supply infrastructure. Enagás’ storage and regasification plant at the port has been in operation since 1969 and has accumulated much experience regarding the treatment of LNG.

This collaboration between the port and Enagás to boost LNG is part of the wider European Core LNGas Hive project, headed by Enagás in collaboration with over 40 organisations and companies, in which the Port of Barcelona is a partner.

Initiatives at the port include the adaptation of a berth from which LNG can be supplied to barges and small-size ships, the modification of a barge to supply LNG to ships and the design and installation of an LNG-fuelled natural gas engine to generate electricity and supply it to a cargo ship during its stay in port.

It has also converted two straddle-carriers in the two container terminals of the Port of Barcelona (TCB and BEST) to be powered by LNG, along with designing a natural gas powered tug.