Ports join forces in favour of liquid natural gas

The ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp have signed a memorandum of understanding with the port authority of Singapore to harmonise procedures for the provision of liquid natural gas (LNG) as a fuel for ships. The ports said the choice of LNG was made because of new tougher sulphur emissions standards imposed by the International Maritime Organisation from 2015. LNG produces less sulphur than petroleum fuel and costs less than low-emission diesel.

The switch will force ports to invest in safe bunker facilities for the storage of LNG, a technology in which Singapore leads the world. Another aspect of the memorandum is the exchange of know-how between Singapore and the Belgian ports. “Co-operation with a world player will ensure that Belgium maintains its leading position in Europe for the development of LNG infrastructure,” commented mobility minister Hilde Crevits, currently on mission in the Far East.

Zeebrugge already has a major gas terminal (pictured) and will now examine, together with Antwerp, the possibility of constructing a bunker to supply ships in the port of Antwerp. “The extension of the natural gas terminal with a new wharf for the loading and unloading of LNG in 2015 will ensure a strengthening of our gas hub.” Zeebrugge director-general Joachim Coens said. The Zeebrugge terminal is one of the most important in Europe in that regard, he said, providing 15% of the continent’s gas distribution.