EMEA News
First LNG Bunkering for Seagoing Vessel at Zeebrugge
Dutch liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier LNGEurope b.v. (LNGEurope) says it has performed the first bunkering operation for a seagoing vessel at the port of Zeebrugge.
The M/T Borgoy, the world's first tug to be powered exclusively with LNG, received the fuel from a truck at the Flemish port, an operation LNGEurope said was a first for the region.
The Borgoy was designed by Buksér og Berging AS (BUBE) and entered service at Statoil's Kaarstoe Gas Terminal in Norway last month.
The company said the team that performed the fuelling had gained experience providing LNG to inland barges at Rotterdam and Antwerp.
"This bunkering operation is of the greatest importance to the port of Zeebrugge," said port CEO Joachim Coens.
"Firstly, we can be proud that BUBE has chosen Zeebrugge to perform this operation.
"Secondly, it is a confirmation of the time and effort we've invested in becoming a first mover in LNG bunkering."
The Borgoy emits almost 30 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and up to 90 percent less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than an equivalent conventional vessel.
"This successful bunkering operation confirms the belief of LNGEurope that in the future, these safe bunkering operations will become routine for a steadily growing fleet of LNG fuelled ships, not only in Zeebrugge," said Koos Blaazer of LNGEurope.
