LNG bunkering network for key Greek ports discussed in Rome

The development of an LNG bunkering network covering Greece’s main ports is one of the features included in a Greek-Italian Memorandum of Cooperation signed yesterday in Rome.

Italian officials, driven by increased LNG usage, internationally, proposed the development of LNG bunkering stations at major Greek ports during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to the neighboring country. The Greek leader was joined by energy deputy Gerassimos Thomas.

Discussion on the development of an LNG bunkering network in Greece goes back a number of years, steered by an EU directive from 2012 focused on the use of cleaner shipping fuel.

Unlike Italian ports, Greece’s ports have lagged behind in this department. In Italy, Edison has pushed ahead with many such investments, big and small-scale.

The objective, in Greece, is to develop a network to cover 15 percent of bunkering needs over the next decade and 25 percent by 2050. Italian know-how would provide valuable support.

Italgas, Italy’s biggest natural gas distributor, has displayed an interest in bidding for DEPA Infrastructure, one of two new gas utility DEPA entities emerging for the gas company’s upcoming privatization.

In a lesser-known development, Greece has received a proposal concerning the use of Italian gas storage facilities, for a fee, until an underground offshore facility south of Kavala is developed to bolster the country’s energy security, according to sources.

The Greek-Italian collaboration plan includes an upgrade of the existing submarine electricity grid interconnection linking the two countries. This line has been plagued by technical problems over recent years, often shutting down for repair work.