First LNG Bunkering Carried Out at Valencia Port for Baleària Ferry

The Port of Valencia has taken a step further in its effort to reduce emissions as the first LNG bunkering was completed for Baleària’s ferry at the port on June 9. 

Abel Matutes was bunkered with LNG in the Turia quay at this Spanish port.

Gas Natural Fenosa and Baleària cooperated on this project which involved the installation of a natural gas generator as well as an LNG tank on the aforementioned vessel with the aim of reducing emissions and improving air quality.

The 190-meter-long ship will operate with the auxiliary natural gas engine, enabling it to reduce emissions in the ports of Valencia and Mallorca.

As explained, this technology on board the ship will result in an annual saving of about 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), more than 60 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 6 tons of sulfur oxide (SOx).

“All of these initiatives, in which Valenciaport participates actively, are aimed at reducing pollutants from port activities, as evidenced by the reduction of particles, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides achieved by the replacement of traditional fuels for LNG,” Federico Torres, Subdirector General, Port Authority of Valencia, commented.

Earlier this year, Baleària and Gas Natural Fenosa signed the first permanent LNG bunkering contract for ship propulsion in Spain. The supply deal will be exclusive for 10 years and will initially apply to the ports of Barcelona, Valencia and Algeciras.