Port of Civitavecchia pioneers 'Truck-To-Ship' LNG bunkering

Italy based Port of Civitavecchia has taken the lead on LNG bunkering, promoted by the ConferenzaGNL, and in assistance with the Dutch company LNGEurope B.V., in granting the fist LNG bunkering operation permit at the port of Civitavecchia. This is the first time ever that an Italian port has given permission for LNG TtS Bunkering, LNGEurope reports.

After bunkering the world first LNG-powered tug in Zeebrugge, the world’s second LNG-powered sea going tug, the Bokn of Buksér og Berging AS, was bunkered by LNGEurope at the Port of Civitavecchia (Rome) on Friday May 16th 2014. The Port of Civitavecchia has become the first port to perform Truck to Ship bunkering of LNG to a seagoing vessel within an Italian coastal port or any port in Italy and this part of the Mediterranean.

M/T Bokn is the second identical tug ordered by the Norwegian Buksér og Berging AS at Sanmar Shipyard in Turkey. In order to arrive at her destination, Karsto in Norway, the Bokn bunkers in Italy, Spain and Belgium. At Karsto the Bokn will serve her long term contract for Statoil. To fuel up on LNG for her maiden trip, the ship will be calling at the ports of Civitavecchia, Cartagena, Vigo and Zeebrugge. The bunkering activity in both Civitavecchia and Zeebrugge will be executed by the experienced team of LNGEurope.

The LNG fuelling operation was executed by one of LNGEurope’s trailers. The trailer is positioned alongside the ship and connected to the ship’s fuel tank. Truck-to-Ship Bunkering of LNG has been proven to be easy, flexible, safe and cost effective.

The maritime sector is confronted with strict emissions regulations. This has resulted in significant interest for LNG as a maritime fuel. The Bokn emits nearly 30 percent less CO2 and up to 90 percent less NOx than conventional ships. Noise is reduced by 70%. Smoke, soot and particulate matter are not emitted at all.

This first Truck to Ship bunkering at Civitavecchia was prepared and planned in cooperation with the Civitavecchia Port Authority, the Harbor Master, the Fire Fighting Department, ConferenzaGNL, Wilhelmsen Ships Agency – Genova Head Office.

Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, the Rome and Lazio Port Network, consisting of Civitavecchia, Fiumicino and Gaeta, has following the expansion of the Port Authority of Civitavecchia's area of influence, which began in 2002 and was completed in 2003, become the foundation stone for the construction of the "Lazio logistics platform". LNG as a maritime fuel, according with several studies conducted by Civitavecchia Port Authority, will improve air quality in/nearby port area. Port Authority has planned to install, in the northern area of the harbor, a LNG bunkering station to supply vessels calling Civitavecchia, following indication coming from EU.

LNGEurope supplies liquefied methane as fuel for commercial road transport, shipping and industry and owns / operates dispensing facilities, road tankers and local storage.