Port of Dunkirk invites interest for LNG bunkering station

The Port of Dunkirk in France has issued an invitation for expressions of interest to create a small-scale marine and onshore LNG distribution station.

To comply with a new EU directive aimed at reducing the sulfur content of certain liquid fuels, shipowners are being encouraged to use LNG as an alternative to the current marine diesel fuel. This use of LNG as a marine fuel requires the creation of a new supply chain in commercial ports.

With a new full-scale LNG terminal under construction, the Port of Dunkirk is preparing to meet demand for small-scale LNG locally and potentially in neighboring ports. The LNG terminal will be operational by the end of 2015, making Dunkirk the first port of entry and last port of exit in the SECA (Sulphur Emission Control Areas) to be able to offer efficient LNG bunkering services for ships.

All potential players interested in the project are initially invited to apply, and successful applicants will be asked to submit a comprehensive project to the Port of Dunkirk. Following this, a consortium of chosen applicants will be established, before Dunkirk selects the best project in accordance with the selection criteria.

The winning bidder will carry out all the necessary studies and support the investment for construction and operation of the new small-scale LNG distribution station. The terms of cooperation between the winning bidder and the Port of Dunkirk are enclosed in the Expression of Interest document.

Edited from various sources by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/29042014/port_of_dunkirk_to_build_lng_bunkering_station_501/