What are the benefits of LNG, who are the LNG suppliers and what are the possibilities of LNG bunkering in the port of Rotterdam? These questions – and more – were answered during the information session Fuelling the Future: LNG, organised by the Port of Rotterdam Authority on April 3rd 2018.

Over 50 representatives from several Shipping Companies and Terminals were informed about the benefits of LNG (liquefied natural gas) and the possibilities of LNG bunkering in the Port of Rotterdam. The number of attendees showed that the cool gas is HOT. With LNG being part of the game, the Port Authority believes that proactive communication is key to bring all relevant stakeholders on the same information level.

In her opening remarks Maud Eijgendaal, business manager LNG at the Port of Rotterdam, explained that with LNG we can start today with our future goals regarding decarbonisation. LNG has the potential of reducing up to 20% CO2 and even more after adding bio components to the mix. Besides, because LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel available it can address challenges around local emissions as well, which is very important for a port.

Stefaan Adriaens, commercial manager at Gate terminal b.v. (link is external) gave a presentation about the basics of LNG and explained to the audience that LNG has an excellent safety track record and is not to be confused with LPG: Liquid Petroleum Gas. ‘Our shared goal is to limit pollution. LNG is acceptable, available and affordable.’ And the most important thing: if you want your ships to sail on LNG: ‘You are not alone. There are plenty of suppliers and terminals around the world that can offer LNG.'

According to Cees Boon, safety advisor at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, LNG ship-to-ship bunkering during simultaneous operations (“SIMOPS”) is possible & allowed in Rotterdam as long as it is safe and controlled. As part of their bunker license, the LNG bunker suppliers will need to proof this in which of course they seek close cooperation with the receiving vessel and the terminal. Similar to conventional bunkering, the terminal is the place where the bunker activities will take place although there are excellent additional possibilities at the buoys & dolphins and in the future maybe also at anchorage as Maud Eijgendaal, business manager LNG at the Port of Rotterdam explains. LNG bunker suppliers Shell (link is external), Nauticor (link is external), Titan LNG (link is external) and Total (link is external) showed that they are ready for LNG bunkering. It is no longer ‘wishful thinking'. High investments have been made and will be made in the coming period. The ‘chicken and egg' situation has been broken. Marieke Knook from Shell asked all the parties to be engaged: ‘That is very important. Because LNG is new for everybody.' In addition, Isabelle Capaldi-Lureau from Total mentioned: ‘We need to work together to make this happen.'

The audience experienced the session as very informative. Wayne van der Schilt from StederGroup Agencies and Wesley Hiel from Fairway Shipping Agencies: ‘We are the representatives of the customers. For us it's important to know the ins and outs of the matter so that we can inform the shipping companies.'

Conclusion of the event? LNG is an attractive and safe alternative fuel that can help ship operators meeting the new IMO regulations and is currently the cleanest fossil fuel available.

Source: Port of Rotterdam