EMEA News
Port of Barcelona Agreement with Enagás to Speed Uptake of LNG Bunkers
Sixte Cambra, President of the Port of Barcelona, and Marcelino Oreja, CEO of Enagás, S.A. (Enagás), Wednesday signed an agreement establishing logistics services for liquefied natural gas (LNG) at an Enagás-managed regasification plant at the port, a move Enagás says will speed the uptake of LNG as fuel for transportation, including shipping.
"Both the Port of Barcelona and Enagás are firmly committed to natural gas, which is currently internationally recognised and promoted as a fuel for the transportation of goods because it represents a truly sustainable alternative to conventional fuels derived from crude oil," stated Enagás.
The agreement is said to be aimed at developing the Port of Barcelona into an LNG distribution hub for the Mediterranean region, with the presence of LNG supply infrastructure at the port expected to support the use of LNG bunkers and attract new shipping companies that utlise LNG-powered vessels to the port.
"The use of natural gas can help improve the competitiveness of transport activity, as it is a cheaper fuel than petroleum," said Oreja.
Enagás also says one of the main benefits that will be derived from the use of LNG bunkers at the port will be improved air quality from the reduction in emissions of gaseous and particulate matter.
"Compared to petroleum-based fuels, LNG emits 80 percent fewer NOx emissions and no particulates and sulfur oxide emissions," said Cambra.
Last year, Ship & Bunker reported that the Port of Huelva was considering the development of LNG bunkering facilities, as well as other infrastructure improvements, a project the port said it would carry out in conjunction with other ports and Enagás.
