Ports of Rotterdam and Gothenburg enter new LNG alliance

Both ports will soon sign a memorandum of understanding in order to have infrastructure for LNG bunkering available once the sulphur regulations come into effect. The Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Gothenburg are located within the SECA area in northern Europe where stricter rules governing sulphur in maritime fuel are due to be introduced in 2015.

LNG offers substantial environmental benefits. Sulphur and particle emissions would be reduced to almost zero, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85-90 per cent and net greenhouse gases by 15-20 per cent.

To achieve the LNG target at both ports by 2015, rapid development is required in a number of areas. The necessary infrastructure at the ports needs to be constructed and rules will need to be drafted for handling LNG. It is also vital that the two ports promote awareness of LNG as a maritime fuel.