First LNG bunkering in Polish ports takes place
Grupa LOTOS and PGNiG carried out two commercial bunkers of LNG, between 13 and 18 March 2019, at the at sea ports of Gdańsk and Gdynia in Poland. These are the first operations that took place in Polish ports.
Grupa LOTOS and PGNiG carried out two commercial bunkers of LNG, between 13 and 18 March 2019, at the at sea ports of Gdańsk and Gdynia in Poland. These are the first operations that took place in Polish ports.
Namely, on March 13, 14 tonnes of LNG were injected into the 'Fure Valo's' tanks, which is owned by Gothia Tankers. The company aims to develop the LNG-fueled fleet, and aspires to have six such vessels by the end of the year. The second bunkering took place on March 18, where 18 tonnes of LNG were transported from a tanker to the tanks of the 'Ireland' ship.
According to the directive on the development of alternative fuels infrastructure, by the end of 2025, enough LNG bunkering points must have been built in seaports. In the case of Poland, these ports are to be:
- Gdańsk;
- Gdynia;
- Szczecin;
- Świnoujście.
From now on, the LNG bunkering service enters the permanent offer of both entities and can be provided in both Tri-City ports.
The fact is that the interest in bunkering in Polish ports among shipowners is increasing.
"This is due to the growing awareness that LNG - as an alternative marine fuel - is the only mature solution that can meet current and future emission standards, with simultaneous economic viability"
Marcin Szczudło, vice president of PGNiG Obrót Detaliczny responsible for the CNG / LNG area, explains.
In addition, Maciej Woźniak , Vice President of the Management Board of PGNiG SA on commercial matters, welcomed these operations as he highlighted the ecological values of LNG, considering it the 'future of maritime transport in the Baltic Sea.'
As said above, these LNG bunkering operations are the first of this kind in Poland, signifying an important milestone for the country. In the same wavelength, Henryk Mucha , President of PGNiG Obrót Detaliczny, mentioned that they will develop this market in Poland and significantly increase its ports competitiveness.
