LNG bunkering and supply for Dunkerque

Dunkerque LNG, Air Liquide and Exmar make up the consortium that presented its successful project during a Call for Expressions of Interest (CEI).

As part of the project, Dunkerque LNG and Air Liquide will be responsible for the preliminary studies, the engineering and investments. Gaz-Opale, a subsidiary of Dunkerque LNG operating the LNG terminal, will oversee the on-land installation.

For marine bunkering, Dunkerque LNG will again be responsible for the preliminary studies, the engineering and investments for the installations to transfer LNG from the terminal network connection as far as the loading arm.

Exmar will handle the preliminary studies, the engineering and the building of a bunkering vessel, the capacity of which is yet to be defined according to LNG requirements. Its operation will be assigned to subsidiary of Exmar, Exmar Shipmanagement.

The consortium has proposed that, during the first phase, the loading arms and the main wharf of the LNG terminal currently under construction be adapted to rapidly allow the supply of LNG to ships with capacities of up to 2,000m³.

In a second phase, the consortium proposes to create a marine station specifically dedicated to bunkering which could accommodate ships with capacities of between 2,000 and 20,000m³. Gaz-Opale will also operate the marine station.

During a later phase, the consortium also plans to build a bunkering barge, which could supply vessels on the inland waterway networks.

The port says following this detailed analysis and finalisation of the project, an agreement will be signed with this consortium and a call for funding issues soon afterwards.

Dunkerque port’s plans for LNG bunkering and on-land supply chain follow the European directive for a significant reduction in sulphur emissions from vessels, particularly in the Channel and North Sea area.