Port of Corpus Christi, Stabilis in LNG bunkering push

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority and small-scale LNG and hydrogen provider Stabilis Solutions have signed a MoU to facilitate the use of LNG as a marine fuel at the port in Texas.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the Port of Corpus Christi is to provide access to dock space for shore-to-ship fueling operations while Stabilis is to deploy its existing fleet of mobile cryogenic assets (including LNG transportation and distribution equipment) from its LNG production plant in South Texas to support LNG fueling operations.

With this partnership and the increasing availability of LNG as a marine fuel at the Port of Corpus Christi, both partners hope to attract more LNG-capable vessels and to encourage the conversions to LNG power.

“The Port of Corpus Christi Authority sees LNG fueling of marine vessels as an important step toward our broader commitment to decarbonisation and improved air quality,” said Sean Strawbridge, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi. “We have a strong commitment to protecting our air attainment status, so by offering LNG as an alternative to diesel as a marine fuel within our gateway, we are evolving our sustainability protocols by reducing mobile source emissions.”

Jim Reddinger, president and CEO of Stabilis Solutions, said: “The use of LNG as a marine fuel is critical for marine operators to reduce their emissions profile, and Stabilis is uniquely positioned to provide this service to customers along the Gulf Coast and beyond. Meeting the requirements of the energy transition requires innovative solutions, and we are excited to be part of this journey with the Port of Corpus Christi and its partners.”

Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG, commented: “Through innovative thinking and partnerships such as this, SEA-LNG members like the Port of Corpus Christi and Stabilis are helping the industry move into a cleaner and more prosperous future.”

Both the Port of Corpus Christi and Stabilis Solutions are committed to providing customer education and technical support as well as attracting capital.