EU to boost LNG use in Greek maritime transport

The EU’s TEN-T Programme will invest almost €600,000 in a study for the promotion of LNG use in Greek maritime transport.

The greener and cheaper LNG could contribute to reducing transport emissions and fuel supply costs in the Aegean Sea, INEA, the European Commission’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency said in a statement.

The study aims to promote LNG for the passenger and shipping transport between the Greek islands. It will bring together a number of key LNG value chain stakeholders with the objective to identify the technical and economic framework for LNG as marine fuel in the South Aegean. Specifically, the group will look into the main supply chain options, required retrofits and infrastructure in ports, ships and shipyards, as well as business plans for each operator.

The project will provide recommendations to the Greek government in view of supporting the legislative process in this field.

The project was selected for EU funding with the assistance of external experts under the TEN-T Annual Call 2013, priority ‘Decarbonisation/oil substitution or environmental cost reduction’. Its implementation will be monitored by INEA.

The project is to be completed by December 2015.

Press Release; Image: Anek Lines