Poseidon Med II LNG Bunkering Workshop Held at Igoumenitsa

A Poseidon Med II technical workshop was held in Igoumenitsa Port on May 5 and 6 2016.

Poseidon Med II says is held a technical workshop at Greece's Igoumenitsa Port on May 5 and 6, which brought together local stakeholders to focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations, technology, infrastructure, safety provisions, and regulatory framework, and specifically to undertake effective Hazard Identification Study and Risk Assessment for viable types of bunkering operations at the port.

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.

"With Poseidon Med II, Igoumenitsa Port moves towards the LNG era, offering a safer, commercially available, environmental friendly fuel for shipping operators; additionally, Igoumenitsa Port plays a key role for creating the basis for sustainable energy development at North-Western Greece," said Thanos Koliopulos, Global Special Projects Manager at Lloyd's Register (LR) and the workshop's chair.

The workshop is said to have kicked off with an on-site survey of Igoumenitsa Port and a discussion of possible viable operational LNG bunkering scenarios and potential suitable sites within the port.

The workshop's 30 participants are then said to have discussed significant issues, including safety zones, supply and storage issues, relevant infrastructure, simultaneous operations, specifications of bunkering barges, as well as their potential impact on crew and port traffic operation.

"Igoumenitsa Port Authority, through the participation to EU project Poseidon Med II, responds to the international environmental requirements and the instigating demand of LNG as the new marine fuel. The project outcomes will offer a competitive advantage for the Port of Igoumenitsa," said Andreas Ntais, Igoumenitsa Port Authority's President and CEO.

The workshop is said to have resulted in a list of areas for further action or assessment, which will be further detailed by the project's partners.