Hidrovias do Brasil, the logistics provider has partnered up with naval architect firm Robert Allan Ltd for the development of a two-stage inland navigation project in South America which “forecasts the development of LNG river convoys and the intention on deployment of the first fully electric pushboat in the world.”
According to a statement of Robert Allan Ltd, the first phase of the project involves the development of river convoys for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Amazon Basin.
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The goal is to meet regional demand, which encompasses the domestic market, local thermoelectric plants and industrial complexes with combined demand potential of over 5 million cubic meters of natural gas daily.
At present, the most widely used fuels for waterway transportation are heavy fuel oil and marine diesel oil, through the use of natural gas, there are various benefits in relation to the lowering of the costs as well as in the emission of polluting gases.
The company states that
the Amazon region will benefit from LNG access through a massive transportation made with alternative energy, with lower environmental impact and cost reduction.
What is more, the second phase includes the development of electric push boats that can maneuver barges with approximately 2000 tons of cargo.
Both the electric pushboat and the LNG convoy are expected to be operational by 2021.
The project also comprises an LNG Terminal owned by Hidrovias do Brasil in Barcarena, in advanced stage to receive Installation License from State Environmental Secretary (IL), with an estimated construction time of 18 months after IL issuance.
Lastly, it is said “the use of LNG and batteries will contribute to the future of waterway logistics, as well as promoting a more sustainable, cost-effective and more productive solution for the operation.”
What is more, in September, SEA\LNG published the results of a new alternative fuels study, finding that LNG is the most mature, scalable, and commercially viable alternative fuel currently available for the maritime industry. The study was conducted by DNV GL.
Previously, SEA/LNG has announced that is firmly supports that LNG is a viable pathway to be in line with IMO’s 2020 GHG targets. The shipping sector has two important paths two follow. Firstly, the industry aims to a rapid improvement of air quality. Secondly, the decrease of GHG emissions is vital.
