Rotterdam and Gothenburg to establish LNG facilities by 2015

A memorandum of understanding is to be signed between the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Gothenburg to establish LNG (liquefied natural gas) facilities. Both ports are located within the northern European ECA where stricter rules governing sulphur in maritime fuel are due to be introduced in 2015. The aim is to have infrastructure for LNG bunkering available once the sulphur regulations come into effect, 4-traders reports.

"We see LNG as an important opportunity for the maritime industry to comply with the sulphur directive in 2015. The use of LNG as a fuel fits in our policy to become the most sustainable port. We consider the Port of Gothenburg as a strong partner in the Scandinavian market for this issue," said Ronald Paul, coo Rotterdam Port Authority.

"We are extremely pleased that the largest port in Europe has joined forces with us in this important issue. Working together, we will have a very strong offering to the market," commented Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg ceo.

To achieve the LNG target at both ports by 2015, rapid development is required in a number of areas. The necessary infrastructure at the ports needs to be constructed and rules will need to be drafted for handling LNG. It is also vital that the two ports promote awareness of LNG as a maritime fuel.