LNG bunkering alliance

Both partners plan to start with the construction of an LNG bunkership early in 2014.

Eddy Bruyninckx, CEO, Port of Antwerp, said: “The port authority wishes not only to encourage but also facilitate the use of LNG as a ship fuel because of the associated environmental and sustainable benefits.”

But there is a bigger picture at work here – shippers need to meet the emission control area regulations coming into force in 2015 and ports need to be able to give them the supplies and means in order to refuel sustainably. Those that don’t risk being left behind.

LNG significantly reduces sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, CO2 emissions and particulate matter. Both parties in the new alliance say they consider LNG to be the answer to cutting shipping pollution.

Antwerp wants to ensure that ships calling at the port are able to perform LNG bunkering from 2015 and further position itself as one of the world’s leading sustainable ports of the future.

Exmar meanwhile considers LNG bunkering a strategic target market for the coming years. The company has considerable LNG expertise as a LNG and LPG carrier owner and operator, particularly when it comes to the transfer of LNG via flexible hoses.