DEPA, Attica Group agree on LNG marine fuel development

DEPA, the Public Gas Corporation, has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Attica Group, the parent company behind Superfast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries, for LNG use as a passenger shipping marine fuel, it was announced today.

The two sides will now conduct a joint study concerning LNG use for the Attica Group’s fleet before further decisions are made for the next step of this business association.

The use of natural gas in the shipping sector promises to provide positive steps in the field of environmental protection, which, if combined with lower operating costs, could lead to new prospects.

The turn to natural gas by shipping companies promises to ensure compliance with legislation on the sulfur content of marine fuels. The International Maritime Origanization (IMO) set new sulfur-linked marine fuel standards in October which will become valid as of January 1, 2020.

With these new standards in mind, DEPA and the Attica Group are taking part in Poseidon Med II, a European program aiming for the establishment of LNG as the primary fuel in the shipping industry and the development of an adequate LNG refueling network for ships.

Greece, Italy, Cyprus and the ports of Piraeus, Patras, Heraklion, Venice, Igoumenitsa and Limassol are taking part in the program, being coordinated by DEPA. It is budgeted at 53.3 million euros and is being co-financed by the European Commission, covering 50 percent of the project’s cost.