EMEA News
Skangass Unveils New Shore to Ship LNG Bunkering Station in Risavika
The Nordics' first ever bunkering station for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is now up and running in the Port of Risavika, Skangass has announced.
The station is located close to the main trade route that runs along Norway's west coast and is fuelling Fjord Line's cruise ferries, which are powered exclusively by LNG.
While LNG ships are normally bunkered via a hose connection from a truck or tank, the new station utilizes a loading arm developed exclusively for bunkering, with the intention of delivering fuel safer and at a much higher rate of transfer.
Skangass claims that coupling and de-coupling procedures have been improved due to the loading arm, and monitoring of operations is much easier.
Morten Larsen, technical and maritime director of Fjord Line, said, "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 refueling provides a quicker turnaround in port, and, therefore, greater efficiency for our ships."
LNG bunkering is estimated to reach 35,000 tons this year in the Port of Risavika, and Risavika Havn and Skangass have agreed to develop another LNG-dedicated quay in Risavika.
"We believe that LNG is poised to play an important part of the future fuel mix in the maritime sector," says David Ottesen, CEO of Risavika Havn.
"For us, it is important to have Skangass as a partner; one that is obligated to satisfy customer expectations and the future development of our port."
In December Skangass announced it had entered into an agreement with North European Oil Trade to supply LNG to vessels on time charter to NEOT from 2016.
