EMEA News
Poseidon Med II Holds Workshop on Potential for LNG Bunkering at Heraklion Port
Poseidon Med II says it held a three day technical and dissemination workshop from July 20 to 22 at the Greek port of Heraklion, which focused on the potential for LNG bunkering at the port.
"Port of Heraklion is going to play an important role in the introduction of LNG as marine fuel in the East Mediterranean," said George Polychroniou, Project Manager of Poseidon Med II and Executive Director of Strategy, Development, Administration & IT, of Public Gas Corporation of Greece (DEPA).
"LNG provides significant environmental benefits compared to the alternative fuels, in terms of reducing emissions. Furthermore, the establishment of small scale LNG infrastructure at ports gives the opportunity to the wider use of natural gas in other sectors."
As Ship & Bunker previously reported, the €53.3 million ($59.4 million) Poseidon Med II is the next phase of the European Union (EU) led LNG bunkering infrastructure development project.
"Over 50 ports globally have planned the development of LNG bunkering infrastructure," said Thanos Koliopulos, Manager Global Special Projects for Lloyd's Register (LR), who chaired the workshop.
The workshop, which was attended by 35 participants, is said to have included an on-site survey of Heraklion Port area in order to assess possible LNG bunkering installations, open group discussions on the operational issues related to LNG bunkering, technology, safety provisions and regulations, and discussion on issues related the LNG supply chain.
The event also saw the fuel calculation review for a fast ferry that is currently operating on the Crete-Cyclades route, which estimated the LNG fuel requirements for the vessel.
The workshop is said to have resulted in a list of areas for further action and assessment, which will be further detailed by the project partners.
"This project will hopefully lead the Port of Heraklion to a new energy status with obvious positive impact on new ships attraction, on the local economy and on the general operations of the port," said Apollon Filippis, Chairman and Managing Director of Heraklion Port Authority S.A. (Heraklion Port Authority).
In July, Nikos Kontoes, President & Managing Director of Patras Port Authority, said that the establishment of a LNG unit for bunkering operations at Patras is of "high priority."
