Skangas opens LNG bunkering station

Skangas has opened the first ship to shore bunkering station for LNG in the Nordic region.

The station will fuel Fjord Line’s cruise ferries, which are the first to use engines powered exclusively by LNG.

Loading arm

The station uses a loading arm to transfer the LNG to the ferries. According to Skangas, the bunkering station features the first loading arm developed solely for bunkering. In the past, LNG ships have been bunkered via hose connections from a truck or tank.

Recognised as a safer transfer method, a loading arm can provide a much higher rate of transfer. The coupling and de-coupling procedures are quicker and more efficient, and monitoring of the operation is much easier.

Quicker refuel

Morten Larsen, Technical and Maritime Director of Fjord Line, noted: “There is a world of difference when comparing truck-filling with this new bunkering station. The new station greatly reduces the time it takes every week for Fjord Line to refuel. Less time spent refuelling provides a quicker turnaround in port, and, therefore, greater efficiency for our ships.”

The bunkering station situated in a prime location, close to the main trade route that runs along Norway’s west coast. With the addition of the new LNG bunkering station, the Port of Risavika is now considered the best-equipped LNG bunkering port in Europe. Risavika Havn and Skangas plan to develop another quay in Risavika for LNG bunkering.

Future fuel mix

David Ottesen, CEO of Risavika Havn, added: “At Risavika Havn, we believe that LNG is poised to play an important part of the future fuel mix in the maritime sector. For us, it is important to have Skangas as a partner; one that is obligated to satisfy customer expectations and the future development of our port”.

In 2015, LNG bunkering is estimated to reach approximately 35 000 t in the Port of Risavika. “We anticipate increasing demand for LNG to fuel ships in the coming years. Skangas offers reliable and flexible bunkering services in Northwest Europe,” explained Tor Morten Osmundsen, CEO of Skangas.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/08062015/first-lng-bunkering-station-in-nordic-region-911/