Liqvis and Meyer Logistik open Berlin’s first LNG fuelling station

The station is located in Grünheide, Germany, on the east Berlin Ring (A10) on Meyer Logistik company property. It was successfully tested several weeks ago, and is also open to external transporters and carriers. It provides LNG along the main traffic routes in Europe, serving as part of the European Union’s Blue Corridor project.

Speaking at the opening ceremony and representing the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Norbert Barthle, Parliamentary State Secretary, emphasised alternative propulsion technologies for heavy duty commercial traffic, and promoted the purchase of 20 LNG trucks.

Barthle said: “We as Ministry of Transportation aim at more transportation with fewer emissions. In order to increase the variety of fuel we support alternative technologies and the development of the necessary infrastructure.

“Especially at highway transport, but also for inland water and ocean transport, the already now available LNG offers various fields of application. Thus, the use of LNG contributes to the reduction of traffic noise, CO₂ emissions and – to a considerable amount – to the reduction of pollutants in the traffic sector.”

The companies involved are also rendering an important contribution towards establishing LNG as an alternative fuel in Germany through the Berlin area fuelling station. Initially, Liqvis will contribute approximately 600 000 kg/yr of LNG, ensuring the operation of the ultramodern tank facility. The company has direct access to LNG resources through Uniper, and is capable of providing LNG under market conditions. Meyer Logistik, meanwhile, will initially provide the delivery of foodstuffs in the greater Berlin area with 20 LNG-fuelled trucks. Iveco is the first manufacturer to offer a 400 HP LNG commercial vehicle – the Stralis 440S40 T/P.

Eckhardt Rümmler, Chief Operating Officer charged with the development of new business lines, said: “The creation of LNG fuelling stations is a major step in the establishment of LNG as an environmentally friendly fuel for use in heavy duty transport. Consumers are increasingly emphasising low-emission supply chains.

We want to create a demand-driven LNG fuelling station network through further partnerships in Germany and selected neighbouring countries over the coming years. In that way, we will be making a major contribution to the improvement of environmental compatibility and noise reduction in road traffic.”

Matthias Strehl, Managing Director of Meyer Logistik, added: “I have spoken repeatedly with our drivers that praise the reduced noise and lower fuel consumption of their trucks, as well as the simple fuelling process.

“This makes us confident about the use of LNG in regular operations. Our goal is to apply the driving technology of the future now and to profit from the experience over the long-term. We are conducting practical tests of driving concepts related to this and working together with our partners to find a viable alternative to diesel trucks.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/27042017/liqvis-and-meyer-logistik-open-berlins-first-lng-fuelling-station/