Rhine-Main-Danube LNG Masterplan Gets TEN-T Funding

Seven LNG projects have recently been selected as winners in The Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T) Call 2012. Among the initiatives approved as part of the Multi-Annual Call is the LNG Masterplan for Rhine-Main-Danube.

The project subtitled “Master plan for introduction of LNG as fuel and as cargo” has been launched by Pro Danube International, a network of private businesses created to promote better infrastructure and services that result in a more intensive use of the environmentally friendly inland waterway in the Danube region.

The LNG project was also chosen to be presented on the TEN-T Days 2013: Connecting Europe – On the move to the new TEN-T in Tallinn (15-18 October), the major political event for EU transport infrastructure policy. Right after this political launch of the project the practical implementation of the project will kick off.

The LNG Masterplan for Rhine-Main-Danube is a project initiative that addresses Priority Project Nr. 18 “Waterway axis Rhine/Meuse-Main-Danube” of the TEN-T network. It will provide a European strategy and pilot deployments for Liquefied Natural gas (LNG) as fuel for inland vessels as well as for LNG as cargo being transported on waterways and distributed via inland ports. The action consists of a set of feasibility studies, technical concepts, technical trials and pilot deployments of vessels and terminals. It is a multi-partner application of 33 companies and organisations from 12 EU Member States and will run from 2013-2015. The project volume eligible for EU co-finance amounts to app. 80,5 Mio €. The project partners will receive app. 40,25 Mio € in co-finance from the EU.

The LNG Masterplan provides a platform for key stakeholders from the public and private sector for the facilitation of parallel development of the necessary regulatory framework for LNG as vessel fuel and as cargo, and will deliver initial deployment in terminal and vessel infrastructure. Thus, it will break the chicken and egg situation for further investment. A European strategy as well as guidelines and recommendations for a full-scale LNG deployment will support authorities and industry.

The project has a strong support from several Ministries of Transport along RMD axis, CCNR and many stakeholders from industry and their professional organisations. The action addresses major EU priorities like: Europe 2020 – New Economic Strategy (2010) with Flagship initiative “Resource Efficient Europe”, European Union Climate Action – Climate Energy Policy (2009), White Paper on Transport – 2030/2050 perspective (2010) and the Proposal for the “Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure” (2013) which is part of the “Clean Power for Transport Package”. The action therefore has to be considered as major policy action to fulfil the ambitious European objectives for use of alternative fuels, modal shift and greening of the inland navigation sector.

The project is co-ordinated by Pro Danube Management GmbH which is the service company of Pro Danube International. The Port of Rotterdam is a key partner and supports Pro Danube in the co-ordination of the partners from the Rhine region.

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Source: NGVA Europe, September 25, 2013