Federal Marine and River Transport Agency (Rosmorrechflot) suggests providing subsidies and privileges to ship owners using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, Aleksandr Poshivai, deputy head of Rosmorrechflot, said at the 3rd “LNG Fleet and LNG Bunkering in Russia” conference held by PortNews Media Group. According to him, it is supposed to cover the difference between the construction costs of conventional ships and similar ships running on LNG, provide privileges to companies using LNG-powered ships when holding competitions for the right to sign state and municipal contracts. Besides, subsidies are suggested to cover part of interest rates on loans taken for the purchase of LNG-powered ships as well as property tax privileges and exempt from VAT and customs dues on imported equipment needed for construction of shipyards and for ship owners acquiring LNG-powered ships, particularly through leasing.
Similar privileges are offered to companies owning on-shore facilities for storage and supply of LNG.
These measures are proposed for inclusion in the state programme focused on using natural gas as fuel.