Zeebrugge Performs First Truck to Ship LNG Bunkering

The world’s first LNG driven tugboat, the M/T Borgoy arrived in the port of Zeebrugge for a bunkering operation. The ‘truck to ship’ bunkering operation was the first to be performed in the Flemish coastal port.

The tug M/T Borgoy is the first tugboat in the world driven by LNG. The maritime sector is confronted with strict emission regulations, which results in an interest for LNG as a maritime fuel. This tug boat emits nearly 30 percent less CO2 and up to 90 percent less NOx and fine dust than conventionally-powered tugs.

M/T Borgoy is the first of two identical tug boats ordered by the Norwegian BUBE (Buksér og Berging AS). The tug has left the Sanmar shipyard in Turkey and has set sail for Karsto in Norway to begin her long term operational contract for Statoil. To fuel up on LNG for her maiden trip, the ship makes halt in the port of Zeebrugge.

The LNG fuelling operation was executed ‘Truck to Ship’. An LNG-filled trailer is then positioned alongside the quay and is connected with the ships fuel tank. For the port of Zeebrugge, this is an absolute premier.

This first TTS bunkering operation in Zeebrugge is a joint effort. It was carefully planned and prepared with Fluxys Belgium, who have 27 years of LNG-experience, -expertise and –knowhow to offer. The bunkering of the tug was assigned to LNGEurope. Hoppe Maritime Group acts as BUBE’s agent.

Joachim Coens, CEO Port of Zeebrugge: “This bunkering operation is of the greatest importance to the port of Zeebrugge. Firstly, we can be proud that BUBE has chosen Zeebrugge to perform this operation. Secondly, it is a confirmation of the time and effort we’ve invested in becoming a first mover in LNG bunkering. We’ve started up several projects with different parties which are all in very different stages of development. To see this project performed successfully is very gratifying.”

Koos Blaazer, LNGEurope b.v.: “This successful bunkering operation confirms the belief of LNGEurope that in the future, these safe bunkering operations will become routine for a steadily growing fleet of LNG fuelled ships, not only in Zeebrugge.”

Stefaan Hoppe, Hoppe Maritime Group: “We are proud to be appointed by BUBE and to be part of the first LNG truck-to-ship bunkering in the port of Zeebrugge. In the future, we hope to assist in new developments in LNG such as small scale LNG and LNG bunkering.”