Norway in line for LNG bunkering solution

This new bunkering solution has been designed by Skangass to give ferries in Norway the chance to bunker LNG while having passengers on board. The company says this will minimise the receiving vessel’s turnaround time in port as much as possible.

“Skangass has received an approval for establishing a permanent bunkering solution for Fjord Line’s ferries. We are pleased with the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) supporting our opinion that bunkering with passengers on board can be done in a safe manner,” said Tor Morten Osmundsen, managing director, Skangass.

The bunkering solution for LNG in Norway will enable vessels trading along the Norwegian coast to comply with the environmental regulation for lower emissions of sulphur dioxide.

Having access to bunker stations will also make it easier for operators looking to convert their vessels from diesel to natural gas.

To make LNG available on a larger scale, EU infrastructure for bunkering needs to be developed. As a result, the European Union is planning to contribute to develop 139 ports with LNG bunker stations in Europe by 2025.

Skangass says the project is now well underway and is aiming to start operations in summer 2014.