For the past 25 years, the Flemish port of Zeebrugge has made joint efforts with Fluxys Belgium and the local and Flemish governments, to take the lead position in gas distribution for the Northwestern European market. The energy business is undergoing massive changes due to ecological and financial concerns. A breakthrough in LNG fuelling is expected, especially now the shipping industry is facing stricter regulations about fuel emissions in 2015. Port of Zeebrugge is determined to help pave the way for LNG as a marine fuel solution.
Port of Zeebrugge focuses on sustainability and green initiatives. Zeebrugge, a ‘Clean Port’ as well as a ‘Food Port’, is an early adopter of new developments in on-shore electricity supply and green energy. In this context it is not surprising to see port’s interest and participation in developing the different fuelling options LNG brings to the table.
Zeebrugge’s history with LNG and subsequent competitive advantage in expertise together with a global interest in LNG as the new marine fuel, explains the port’s ambition to take a pilot role in this rapidly thickening LNG plot.
Port of Zeebrugge has explored all the possibilities in LNG fuelling. These options include LNG as trucking fuel, truck to ship bunkering and also bunkering solutions for short-sea and deep-sea vessels.
At this moment, several concrete projects are in preparation.
“Sustainability is one of the bullet points of our port policy and LNG has been a part of our port the past 25 years. Our ambition to be a front runner in developing LNG fuelling facilities for the shipping industry is evident. With combined forces and the expertise in gas distribution and utilization, Port of Zeebrugge is perfectly equipped to introduce several pilot projects in the near future” , says Joachim Coens, chairman – managing director Port of Zeebrugge.
[mappress] Source: Port of Zeebrugge, March 19, 2013