Feasibility study on LNG bunkering

Now the Flemish government is acting on the DNV recommendations to ensure the safe introduction of LNG bunkering at Flemish seaports.
According to DNV, the market study led to a forecasted LNG bunkering demand for each port derived from shipping and world energy market forecasts, while the logistics model allows the ports to simulate, compare and calculate costs of different LNG bunkering supply chain options. All results serve as strategic and tactical decision support tool for the ports in developing their LNG bunkering infrastructure.
The legal and regulatory analysis resulted in a comprehensive listing of applicable local, regional, national, European and international standards and regulations as well as in 23 concrete recommendations indicating gaps in the current framework.
“Through the realisation of this study on the different aspects for the bunkering of LNG in the Flemish ports, the stricter standards of the IMO for marine fuel sulphur emissions are anticipated, and an important step has been taken towards providing LNG as shipping fuel in the Flemish seaports,” said Hilde Crevits, Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works.
Many experts anticipate that within the next years a considerable share of ships will be LNG fuelled, particularly in short-sea shipping and especially in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Ports are gearing up to accommodate this transition and a significant increase in the number of LNG bunkering facilities is expected by 2020.
 “With DNV’s background, the Flemish government and the different participants have made an important step forward in the development of LNG as fuel in the region and even beyond. I am confident there is more to come in the region,” said Mohamed Houari, DNV’s area manager Solutions, Central Europe, who also has supervised the feasibility study for DNV.