EMEA News
VDR: LNG Cold Ironing Barge Efforts "a Total Disaster" for LNG Bunkering Legislation
Wolfgang Hintzsche, Managing Director of German shipowners association Verband Deutscher Reeder (VDR) Tuesday renewed the organisation's call for the national government to hasten the approvals management process for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering in the country.
"LNG-fuelled ships simply will not come to Hamburg if we cannot sort out our bunkering problem," said Hintzsche, who was speaking at CWC LNG Fuels Summit.
He also said that recent efforts to launch Becker Marine Systems' (BMS') LNG-powered cold ironing barge Hummel in the Port of Hamburg have been "a total disaster, from the point of view of legislation for LNG bunkering."
Hummel's operations are said to have come up against challenges posed by in-port restrictions, which require a harbour tug to be kept on standby with engines running while the barge is carrying out loading operations and during the barge's nightly return to berth outside Hafencity.
As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, Bomin Linde LNG GmbH & Co. KG (Bomin Linde) says it plans to build a LNG terminal for ship fueling at the Port of Hamburg.
Bomin Linde says it has taken "much longer than expected" to secure approvals for the terminal and its operations.
Hintzsche points to Germany's regulatory structure as the source of the problem.
"Each port has its own rules and regulations for LNG bunkering. This is a mess and we urgently need clear guidance from our government," explained Hintzsche.
Pricing will also play a role in promoting uptake of LNG bunkers, adds Hintzsche, noting that a "LNG price that is 15-20 percent lower than that of MGO" will be required to support LNG adoption.
In August, VDR called for government subsidies on behalf of German shipbuilders to advance the country's LNG industry.
