Svitzer, a global towage provider and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, has signed a 15-year agreement to service Gastrade’s Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System (Alexandroupolis INGS) LNG terminal, the first offshore LNG project in Greece.
Specifically, Svitzer will set up towage services and support for advanced LNG operations at the new import terminal. This includes supporting the floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) with a pipeline system connecting the floating unit to the Greek national natural gas transmission system and onwards to final consumers in Greece and the Balkans.
Svitzer said it will provide four new ASD tugboats, fully manned by Greek crew, to assist the FSRU and the carriers delivering LNG. The tugboats will provide berthing, unberthing, navigation assistance and other terminal services including firefighting, pollution control, pilot and boarding party transfer. Additionally, Svitzer will provide support and station-keeping services to the FSRU during the initial installation.
Commenting on the agreement, Lise Demant, Managing Director, Svitzer Europe, said: “The long-term agreement will allow Svitzer to grow within its core business, expand geographically and deliver safe and efficient marine services to a new customer. This includes providing a truly customized solution for Gastrade, with the delivery of four brand new tugs.”
Konstantinos Sifnaios, Managing Director, Gastrade, noted: “High-quality towage and marine services will be critical to the success of the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal project. We are convinced that Svitzer is the right partner to deliver this… We look forward to working together with Svitzer to build jobs in the local market and ensure energy security for the region and beyond.”
To note, the Alexandroupolis LNG project comprises an FSRU for the reception, temporary storage and regasification of LNG, a spread mooring system and a system of subsea and onshore gas transmission pipelines. It is set to become operational at the beginning of 2024.
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