Americas News
Port of Montreal to Offer LNG Bunkering Solution to Shipowners
Gaz Métro and the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) today announced that a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering solution will be made available at the Canadian port.
The move is said to have been inspired by the recent launch of Damia Desgagnés, which - as Ship & Bunker has previously reported - is noted to be Canada's first dual fuel LNG-powered combo carrier,capable of burning LNG, heavy fuel oil, or marine diesel oil.
"I would like to commend the leadership and vision of Groupe Desgagnés, which was the first commercial shipowner to order vessels destined to navigate in Québec able to use LNG as marine fuel. Québec can be proud to have Groupe Desgagnés among its visionary companies, as was the Société des traversiers du Québec," said Sophie Brochu, President and CEO of Gaz Métro.
"LNG is currently one of the best solutions available to replace petroleum products in the maritime sector, due to its environmental assets. In particular, it respects new Canadian and international maritime transportation standards that aim to minimise the emission of air pollutants [NOx and SOx]."
Gaz Métro and the MPA say the new availability of LNG supply solutions is intended to form a first step in encouraging shipowners to adopt LNG bunkers as an efficient, cost-effective, and clean option.
"I praise Groupe Desgagnés' forward thinking, which is very inspiring for Québec's maritime industry," said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of MPA.
"The Port of Montreal shares this vision to exercise positive leadership in sustainable development practices and, in this context, the LNG fuel supply solution that will be available on our docks is another significant and concrete action toward making commercial shipping even more environmentally friendly."
Last month, Ship & Bunker reported that Enagás S.A. (Enagás) and Repsol S.A. (Repsol) bunkered Damia Desgagnés in what the companies hailed as the first pipe-to-ship LNG bunkering operation in Europe.
