National Grid Grain LNG is about to become UK’s first facility to offer small scale ship reloading facilities (SSLNG) at its importation terminal on the Isle of Grain, facilitating the distribution of LNG as a marine fuel.
This move is added on the significant uptake of the Road Tanker Loading Facility which is set to open this summer. These two developments will enable the distribution of LNG as a fuel for the marine industry, trucks, industrial and commercial, as well as off-grid applications.
Simon Culkin, Terminal Manager, for Grain LNG stated: “These are exciting times for the terminal and we’re looking forward to building on the world class facilities and services we offer. With the construction of our road tanker loading facility and expansion of our marine capabilities, Grain LNG will be at the centre of this increasingly important market sector.”
After the introduction of stricter European emission regulations for the marine sector, covering the North Sea, Baltic Sea and English Channel Emission Control Area from 2015, use of LNG as a marine fuel is predicted to increase substantially.
The environmental benefits of using LNG as a fuel, include emission reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) of up to 25%, nitrogen oxide (NOx) by up to 85% and sulphur and particulates to almost zero, as well as lowering noise pollution.
Grain LNG is currently launching an Open Season process to reckon market interest for the new offering and subject to approvals, the new service is expected to be available from late 2016.
