EU grants LNG funding to North Adriatic Ports

As part of the TEN-T framework agreement, the European Union has provided €322,000 worth of funding to NAPA ports for the realisation of a masterplan to design a value chain for the use of LNG.

The development of LNG infrastructure will help to increase fleet competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability while at the same time providing substantial environmental benefits as requested by stricter environmental regulations coming into effect from 1 January 2015, as well as recent EU directives.

Qatar Energy Europe (an advisory company owned by Qatar Investment Fund with expertise focused on energy sector) is leading the project, with the support of partners from Italy, Greece and Qatar.

Venice Port Authority will act as project leader for Napa Ports, with a budget of €110,000. Trieste (Italy), Koper (Slovenia) and Rijeka (Croatia) ports will each have a budget of €70,000.

This latest provision of funding confirms the EU interest in supporting future development projects within the Napa and Adriatic Ports, and will contribute to the development of LNG infrastructure. The aim of the project is to examine the potential for LNG as marine fuel in the Northern Adriatic Ports and explore the view stakeholders hold on this alternative fuel.

Once complete, the project will have delivered a comprehensive masterplan on alternative fuels deployment in the Northern Adriatic Ports. The first meeting between the project leaders has already taken place in Athens.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/08102014/napa-ports-get-eu-funding-1556/