Round table talks at GFS

The chairman began with a review of the first day, reminding those present that a sharp increase in orders for LNG ships was anticipated in five years. He also recalled the fact that the EU had considerable funding available for LNG ships, and LNG fuel was being adopted across many sectors.

Roadblocks were the theme for the first session of the day, in this case affecting the LNG supply infrastructure. Roger Gothberg, Skangass marine sales manager, described the company’s current and future plans for supplying LNG to ships, including truck-to-ship, fixed bunker stations, and the latest plans to offer ship to ship bunkering on the Norwegian west coast and in the Baltic.

Small scale LNG terminals were examined by Stig A Hagen, director of Kanfer Shipping. The company said it is able to offer a solution, not expensive or land-based, and which it is facilitating and commercialising globally. At present the exact details remain confidential. Kanfer is working with Canadian company Naviform, a large Norwegian shipping company, a large oil company and LNG traders to provide a competitive turnkey solution. The solution is intended to be cost effective, mobile, flexible, scalable and offer a low financial risk.

The afternoon was given over to round table discussions. Delegates were divided into groups, charged with discussing one of three topics, under the direction of moderators. This continued until the coffee break, after which the moderators summarised the discussions and conclusions. The topics were LNG pricing forecasts, LNG bunkering strategies and infrastructure for the future, and LNG supply and availability.

Finally, chairman Martin Shaw summed up the day and thanked everyone for attending before delegates headed off to witness live bunkering of a Fjord Line ferry and view the Skangass LNG terminal.