In view of the shipping industry’s need for a more environmentally friendly fuel, Swedegas is investing in a new LNG infrastructure at the Port of Gothenburg, expected to be fully operational in 2018. This is the first LNG facility in Gothenburg, the largest port in Scandinavia, making it possible for vessels to bunker LNG at the quayside, while loading and unloading.
In this way, the facility, which comprises a discharge station, a cryogenic pipeline and bunkering equipment, is expected to help vessels to make effective use of the time spent in port. There has been widespread demand in the shipping sector for this type of solution, the port explained.
“This investment marks the starting point for the gradual expansion of the facility, eventually supplying the transport sector and Swedish industry with liquefied gas. Regardless of the sector, it ultimately comes down to making the transition from oil-based products,” said Johan Zettergren, Swedegas chief executive.
The facility is the first stage in the establishment of a more extensive gas infrastructure solution for the Port of Gothenburg, that can also be connected to the gas transmission grid. As is the case with the grid, which is used for the transport of both natural gas and biogas, the new infrastructure at the port is flexible and can also be used for the storage and transport of renewable gas.
The EU has assigned the project PCI (Project of Common Interest) status, making it one of the most prioritized infrastructure projects in Europe. The EU has also approved support via the INEA (Innovation and Networks Executive Agency) to ensure the project can be realized. Swedegas has already signed an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract with a supplier for the actual construction of the facility.
