Germany to offer tax free LNG bunkers

Eckhardt Rehberg says LNG leads to significantly lower emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur, Ship & Bunker reports. Germany plans to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkers tax free "in the future" for the commercial shipping industry, German member of Parliament Eckhardt Rehberg has said.

The tax exemption is part of the recently adopted Energy and Electricity Tax Act.

Rehberg did not elaborate on exactly when the move will be made, but noted that other European Union (EU) may also introduce tax exemptions for LNG bunkers and that it was important for Germany to act first as so not to be at a disadvantage.

Commenting on the use of LNG as a marine fuel, Rehberg said LNG was "good for the environment," and that 'it leads to significantly lower emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulphur compared to the traditional used heavy grades of oil."

In October the Bomin Linde LNG GmbH & Co. KG (Bomin Linde) announced plans to build a LNG terminal for ship fueling at the Port of Hamburg, Germany.