Zeebrugge Eyes LNG Bunkering, Cold Ironing

Joachim Coens, chairman of the port, says sustainability is one of its values

With a "breakthrough in LNG fuelling" expected, the Port of Zeebrugge says it is preparing several pilot projects focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering and is also looking into installing on-shore power supplies for ships.

"Sustainability is one of the bullet points of our port policy and LNG has been a part of our port the past 25 years," said Joachim Coens, chairman and managing director of the port.

"Our ambition to be a front runner in developing LNG fuelling facilities for the shipping industry is evident.

"With combined forces and the expertise in gas distribution and utilization, Port of Zeebrugge is perfectly equipped to introduce several pilot projects in the near future."

The port said that it has explored options including truck-to-ship LNG bunkering and fueling for short-sea and deep-sea vessels, as well as the use of LNG as truck fuel.

The port and the West Flanders Development Agency (POM West-Flanders) also commissioned a study considering the possibility of installing on-shore power supply facilities at the port.

The study, which considered ships that call at Zeebrugge regularly and stay docked for relatively long periods, found that for about 25 percent of the port's calls the addition of on-shore power "proved interesting both technically and financially."

"This interesting study show the importance of on-shore power supply for the environment, costs and for the continuity of our port," Coens said.

"We are now going to discuss the results of the study with the terminals and shipping lines involved.

"Newly built ships are equipped with the required technology, so the profitability is set to rise in the future."

Zeebrugge is among a dozen ports that recently formed a working group to develop guidelines for LNG bunkering.