The European Union will support with over €1 million from the TEN-T Programme a series of studies to assess the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a shipping fuel in the Port of Gijón in Spain. The project, which was selected for funding under the 2011 TEN-T Annual Call, involves conducting studies to evaluate the feasibility and plan the necessary infrastructure adaptations for the use of LNG as a shipping fuel in the Port of Gijón. LNG is rapidly emerging as a more environmentally friendly fuel for the maritime sector and its uptake is encouraged by the European Union.
In particular the project will conduct:
•    A study of standards, regulations and legal issues
•    Technical design studies: vessel interaction with the LNG supply infrastructure while at berth
•    Impact studies related to the introduction of LNG in the Port
•    User requirements
•    Recommendations for the progressive introduction of LNG as a shipping fuel
•    Implementation plan, including a business plan and an environmental study
The project is set to be completed by May 2014.
Source: TEN-T Project