Flogas Britain and Associated British Ports (ABP) have joined forces, to carry out the first ever LNG bunkering in the UK. The 110-metre carrier “Ireland”, operated by Norwegian KGJ Cement, was refuelled with LNG at the Port of Immingham, on August 23.
The joint venture between UK LNG provider Flogas and UK port operator ABP marks a significant step forward for maritime bunkering in the UK, as it means ships from across the globe will now have direct access to LNG.
Lee Gannon, Managing Director at Flogas, said: “There is great potential for LNG in the maritime industry as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional oil-based bunker fuels, but until now this potential has remained untapped here in the UK.”
Although only a limited number of ships currently bunker with LNG, demand is expected to grow rapidly as environmental regulations increasingly prohibit the use of polluting heavy fuel oils.
The two parties see potential to replace thousands of tonnes of heavy fuel oil each year with cleaner, cost-effective LNG.
“We’re looking forward to working with ABP and other prospective partners on future projects – especially as the popularity of LNG continues to gather pace in the maritime industry, in line with an increasing focus on reducing environmental impact” added Mr Gannon.
Mark Frith, Port Manager for ABP Immingham and Grimsby, said: “Demand is already beginning to shift away from oil across the international fleet, and we very much see natural gas taking its place as the marine fuel of choice. We look forward to welcoming increasing numbers of ships to Immingham as a result of our new and unique offering in partnership with Flogas.”
