Five port authorities agreed to form LNG joint venture
Port authorities of Antwerp, Mannheim, Rotterdam, Strasbourg and Switzerland to establish an alliance for the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
On April 25 the port authorities of Antwerp, Mannheim, Rotterdam, Strasbourg and Switzerland agreed to form a joint network for the introduction of LNG. This involves cooperation in research, promotion, knowledge transfer, legislation and bunker infrastructure.
The agreement is in line with the LNG Master plan for the Rhine-Main-Danube corridor in which all participants named above are involved. The aim of this master plan is to put liquefied natural gas to full scale use as a fuel for inland shipping on the Rhine-Main-Danube corridor.
The cooperation ties in with the Pport of Rotterdam authority’s aim to see the market for LNG as a fuel develop to its full potential, and to open an LNG hub in Rotterdam before the end of 2015. In order to realise this, the port authority invests in infrastructure, is closely involved in the formation of the necessary national and international policy and legislation, and invests in cooperation with relevant partners.
There has been a special terminal for the storage and handling of liquefied natural gas in the port of Rotterdam since 2011: the Gate terminal. The municipality of Rotterdam amended the regulations last year so that inland vessels can now also bunker.
The European Union has provided a subsidy of EUR 40 million to support an LNG infrastructure for the Rhine-Main-Danube area. Meanwhile the Danser group, supported by the LNG Master plan, has commenced refitting its Eiger-Nordwand tow boat. The engines of this vessel will be powered by LNG for 99 per cent.
LNG stands for liquefied natural gas. Natural gas (methane) turns into liquid at -162 degrees Celsius. Ships powered by LNG emit less noise and have very low sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions. Moreover, the CO2 emissions can be cut by 15 per cent.
www.portofrotterdam.com
Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com
