Cepsa to Supply LNG Bunkers Through First European Multi-Product Barge

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday September 16, 2016

Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (Cepsa) says that, as part of the European Commission (EC) supported Core LNGas Hive initiative, it will operate the first multi-product barge in Europe, which will supply ships with liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Cepsa says it will work with project partner Flota Suardíaz SL (Flota Suardíaz) to participate in the design and construction of the ship, which is slated to begin operations in 2018 from Barcelona.

The company notes that, in addition to LNG, the supply ship will be able to provide all types of marine fuels, including conventional bunkers.

"Our customers will benefit from the great flexibility that the barge will give, supplying all types of fuel from standard fuels to the most innovative, taking us a step ahead of the change in European regulations," said Alberto Martínez-Lacaci, Bunker Director at Cepsa.

The 42 partner project is noted to be led by Spanish ports and is coordinated by Enagas, and is aimed at lowering emissions and promoting clean transport  energies within the Core LNGas Hive.

"Cepsa is a bunker leader in Spain and supplies marine fuels in other important international ports such as Fujairah and Panama, so it had to be involved in this project," said Martínez-Lacaci.

"We are convinced that it will open a new chapter in the European bunkering market, whose future will be closely tied to the use of lower emitting fuels such as liquefied natural gas."

Last year, CEPSA announced the release of three new marine lubricants aimed at meeting emissions focused operational needs.