Port of Ferrol and GNF in LNG partnership

The Port Authority of Ferrol, Gas Natural Fenosa (GNF) and Ferrol Reganosa Container Terminal (FCT) will collaborate on the development of infrastructure at the ports of Ferrol and San Cibrao, for the supply of LNG to vessels.

The joint venture will have an initial duration of two years. To this end, the four partners have drafted a memorandum signed by José Manuel Vilariño Anca, Chairman of the Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao, José Luis Lloret Soler, Director of Energy Solutions and Services Natural Gas Services, a subsidiary of GNF, Emilio Bruquetas, CEO of Reganosa and Maria Martins de Castro Lopo Feijó, Chairman of FCT.

European directive

The initiative is linked to the 'European Directive on Implementation of a infrastructure for alternative fuels’, which has just come into force, and, among other improvements, promotes the creation of a basic network of LNG supply in seaports.

The aim of this infrastructure is to help vessels to meet the new air emission limits coming into force on 1 January 2015 in Emission Control Areas (ECA).

TEN-T program

The joint effort will improve the position of Ferrol in the race to gain competitive advantages in these LNG services. The Port Authority and Reganosa will be supported in this project by Navantia, the Xunta de Galicia and the University of Santiago, through the TEN-T program, funded by the European Commission.

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework to promote energy efficiency in the field of maritime and land mobility in the Port of Ferrol, as part of a number of measures necessary for the implementation of the supply of LNG as a marine fuel.

LNG-fuelled ships

Actions to be carried out include a feasibility study for the provision of LNG in the outer harbour and an analysis of the needs for supplies of liquefied natural gas in the port area. The Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao is also undertaking to promote emission reductions through the use of LNG-fuelled ships and related activities in dock vehicles.

The involvement of Ferrol Container Terminal in this agreement demonstrates the interest in getting container ships to dock in the outer harbour, so they can be supplied with LNG during loading and unloading. This service would give the Ferrol port a considerable operational capacity advantage to compete in the market for this type of transport.

As part of the agreement, the parties will also develop technical exchange programs, and promote knowledge of the LNG services and capabilities of the Port of Ferrol among shippers and other port operators.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/06112014/port-of-ferrol-to-develop-lng-infrastructure-1740/