The Port of Antwerp has carried out the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation on a seagoing ship.
This week, the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier Sefarina, operated by the Dutch company Chemgas Shipping, became the first seagoing ship to be bunkered with LNG at the Port of Antwerp. Even though LNG bunkering has been possible in Antwerp since 2012, it has so far only been used for barges, with the LNG being supplied by trucks.
The successful procedure comes after the ship obtained a particulates discount on Monday which offers a reduction in port dues to ships that use alternative technology to reduce the emissions of particulates.
The truck-to-ship bunkering of the Sefarinais used as a test case for the safety procedures that will apply to bunkering of seagoing ships. The Port Authority is now beginning to look for a candidate to build and operate at a permanent LNG bunkering and filling station.
