LNG Bunkers Will Create "Fertile Ground" for Greek Shipbuilding

The role of the shipbuilding industry in the adoption of LNG as fuel was the focus of discussion at an event held Monday at PPA.
Image: Poseidon Med II

Marine's adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkers has been identified as a potential booster for Greek shipbuilding, delegates gathered Monday for a Poseidon Med II event have heard.

The event, organised by Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), sought to bring together representatives from Hellenic shipyards, project partners, and delegates from the marine sector.

"The adoption of LNG as marine fuel will create fertile ground for sustainable development of the Greek shipbuilding sector and employment opportunities, which are vital for Greece," Dimitrios Spyrou, Consultant in PPA's Strategic Planning & Marketing Department, said during the event opening.

"Piraeus Port Authority's new floating dock with carrying capacity 80,000 tonnes and the four existing extensively repaired docks will definitely contribute to this end."

The event sought to explore whether LNG bunkers could contribute to the rival of the Hellenic shipbuilding sector, how the Hellenic shipyards could be “LNG ready”, and what kind of support could the European co-funded Poseidon Med II offer.

Discussions during the events also included the establishment of the Revithoussa terminal as a LNG hub for the regional supply chain, as well as the Europa Ship Plan - an initiative by the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association aimed at introducing a sustainable financing strategy for the renewal of the Short Sea Shipping fleet.

Last month, the use of LNG as an eco-friendly fuel in Patras was the focus of discussion during an event held at the Greek port city under the Poseidon Med II project.