LNG bunkering

Patra: Last port of call for Poseidon Med II

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Patras Port Authority had the honour of organising the last dissemination event of Poseidon Med II, just one week prior to its conclusion. The satellite port to the EU co-funded programme, gathered key stakeholders and interested parties to informed them about milestones of the Action and raise their final feedback with main Activity owners from Lloyd’s Register and Rogan Associates, who are also partners of Poseidon Med II.

Presentations focused on the basic features of LNG, the Presidential Decree on safe LNG Bunkering, the training competencies, port manuals and the port’s masterplan to accommodate LNG as a marine fuel.

Mr Panagiotis Tsonis, CEO of Patras Port Authority, gave a warm welcome at the virtual event by thanking all partners for the deliverables and studies performed that will offer the opportunity to the port of Patras to become part of the new green supply chain in the maritime transportation sector.

Mr Stavros Antypas, Director of Development and Project Manager on behalf of the Patras Port Authority commented that despite the obstacles that came along with the studies and the associated local consultation, he is proud to see that the Action is concluded leaving behind a complete and rigid file of approved studies and data that will enable the Port to engage in efficient and sustainable operations in the near future. He moved on by adding that the Authority will pursue funding opportunities inside and outside the Greek territory in order to proceed with the necessary infrastructure works.

After demonstrating the actual position for the LNG bunkering operations inside the port and explaining how it was chosen as the optimum solution, participants discussed on the scenario of coexistence of pipelines and bunker vessels for the supply of LNG. Ms Anna Apostolopoulou, EU Projects Leader & Offshore Manager for Greece, Cyprus & Israel, who served as Project Manager of the Action on behalf of Lloyd’s Register, clarified that bunkering will not ‘disturb’ any of the other simultaneous operations taking place inside the port. Practically what this means is that any incoming vessel will berth at the intended position and the LNG feeder vessel shall proceed with the bunkering in parallel to any loading/ offloading operations taking place.

The virtual meeting was concluded with a sense of satisfaction on the achievements of Poseidon Med II and an anticipation for all partners to collectively work together again on a similar innovative project.

Τhe sole responsibility of this publication lies with the author. The European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Photo captions

  1. Slide depicting the contents of the Port procedures manual for LNG bunkering
  2. Snapshot from the Virtual Dissemination event

Poseidon Med II project is a practical roadmap which aims to bring about the wide adoption of LNG as a safe, environmentally efficient and viable alternative fuel for shipping and help the East Mediterranean marine transportation propel towards a low-carbon future. The project, which is co-funded by the European Union, involves three countries Greece, Italy and Cyprus, six European ports (Piraeus, Patras, Lemesos, Venice, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa) as well as the Revithoussa LNG terminal. The project brings together top experts from the marine, energy and financial sectors to design an integrated LNG value chain and establish a well-functioning and sustainable LNG market.

Poseidon Med II lays foundations for sustainable supply chain in Eastern Mediterranean

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The Poseidon Med II Stakeholders’ Conference 2021 “Poseidon Med II brings into reality sustainable shipping to the Eastern Mediterranean” was successfully organized as a virtual event on Thursday, December 9, 2021. The Conference marked the official closing of the EU co-funded Poseidon Med II Action, which started in June 2015 and will end in December 2021.

Mr Konstantinos Skrekas, Minister for the Environment and Energy of Greece, opened the Conference and  noted the importance of LNG as a transition fuel for the green transformation of the shipping industry; Mr Ioannis Efstratiou, Director, Safety & Environmental Protection Directorate, representing the Cypriot Deputy Minister for Shipping, Mr V. Demetriades, stressed that a major advantages of adopting LNG as a marine fuel is its abundant availability which makes it a sound option for the transition towards Europe’s net zero future. Mr Giannis Papadopoulos, Chairman of the BoD, DEPA Commercial S.A., highlighted that LNG is indeed an intelligent, flexible and viable business solution with which the shipping industry can address the challenge to decarbonize He then made reference to the development of Greece’s first LNG bunkering vessel by DEPA COMMERCIAL with a capacity of of 4,000 m3 that will be used to supply ships in the port of Piraeus as well as in other ports in Greece and at the Region. For Mr J. Chomatas, Asset Development Division Director, DESFA SA – Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator, the new SSLNG facilities that will be accommodating bunker and feeder vessels is due to the contribution of PM II marking an important achievement. . Concluding the opening statements, Mr. Siamak Jalali, from the office of the EU’s Coordinator for the “Motorways of the Sea” noted that the goal for 2050 is to make Europe a modern resource efficient and competitive economy with the maritime being a crucial sector as 80% of the goods are transported by sea.

On behalf of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), Mrs Katerina Chrysostomou, PMEDII Project Officer, congratulated all the PMII Partners for completing the foreseen actions and for contributing to the realization of LNG bunkering operations in Greece, Cyprus and Italy.

Mr George Polychroniou, Poseidon Med II Project Manager, Executive Director, Strategy and Business Development, DEPA Commercial S.A. noted the importance of PMII for the decarbonization of the maritime sector and its particular significance for the region and Greece.

During the first session of the Conference entitled “Mapping the Achievements of Poseidon Med II” the results of the Action were presented by various partners, notably: Mrs Efstathia Niarchou, Project Manager of Poseidon Med II Action, DESFA, Dr. Christos Solomonidis, Partner, Chairman of the BoD, Rogan Associates S.A., Mrs Anna Apostolopoulou, Offshore Manager Gr/Cy/Isr, EU Projects Leader SEUR/Lloyd’s Register, Dr. Davide Calderan, President, Rimorchiatori Riuniti Panfido & C. Srl , Mr Giannis Gkabrias, Market Research and Development, Ocean Finance. ,

The speakers agreed that the main goals of PM II have been achieved and the foundations for a sustainable and effective supply chain in the Eastern Mediterranean have been established. Moreover, the necessary studies for this as well as for the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel were carried out from a technical, economic and regulatory perspective. Namely PM II has contributed to the preparation of a regulatory framework with particular emphasis on safety aspects regarding LNG bunkering operations at Greek Ports, leading to the enactment of legislation (Presidential Decree 64/2019) With regard to ports, Piraeus, Patras, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa and Limassol, PMII financed the design studies for the development of small-scale LNG infrastructures (ssLNG) to enable the provision of bunkering services. Moreover, studies completed by PMII are enabling the construction of a truck loading station, for bunkering and off grid consumers’ supply as well as a ssLNG jetty that will accommodate vessels from 1.000 m3 to 28.000m.

At the second session entitled “LNG, a great opportunity for Shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean” experts discussed the increasing use of LNG as a shipping fuel both in Europe and worldwide; Participants included Mr Steve Esau, General Manager, SEA LNG, Mr Panayiotis Mitrou, Global Gas Technology Segment Manager, Lloyd’s Register, Dr. George A. Kriezis, Technical Manager, Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises S.A., Dr. Nikolaos Liapis, Member the Board of Directors, Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association and Mr Dimitris Spyrou, Consultant, Strategic Planning and Marketing Department, Piraeus Port Authority S.A.

It was concluded that LNG will have a decisive role during the transition to a sustainable maritime transportation. Moreover, synthetic and bio-LNG, that can  be used with the same infrastructure as for LNG, are compatible with the EU’s zero-carbon goals and will contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime sector Finally participants stressed the emerging role of Greece as an international LNG bunkering and distribution hub for the broader region.

Poseidon Med II project is a practical roadmap which aims to bring about the wide adoption of LNG as a safe, environmentally efficient and viable alternative fuel for shipping and help the East Mediterranean marine transportation propel towards a low-carbon future. The project, which is co-funded by the European Union, involves three countries Greece, Italy and Cyprus, six European ports (Piraeus, Patras, Lemesos, Venice, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa) as well as the Revithoussa LNG terminal. The project brings together top experts from the marine, energy and financial sectors to design an integrated LNG value chain and establish a well-functioning and sustainable LNG market.

Poseidon Med II virtual Conference 2021 was moderated by journalist Harris Floudopoulos,

Heraklion Port Authority e-welcomes Poseidon Med II

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A technical workshop was organized by the Heraklion Port Authority, which participates as a satellite port at the EU co-funded programme. This is the final dissemination event that shared the work to date and milestones of the Action to key stakeholders, seeking their input and comments to the completed activities.

In an atmosphere of consensus that the port should embrace alternative fuels in order to remain both sustainable and competitive, issues like the Presidential Decree on safe LNG Bunkering, training competencies, port manuals and the port’s masterplan to accommodate LNG, were thoroughly addressed.

The virtual event did not focus only on the technical pillars of the Action but moreover shared, with all participants, the basics of LNG as a marine fuel and also the project’s key features and attributes.

Mr. Minas Papadakis, CEO made a reference to the concerns stemming from the proximity of the infrastructure to the populated areas around the port; yet he continued by highlighting the positive impact of the Action on the sound profile of the Port of Heraklion. Mr. Papadakis concluded by expressing his full support to the deliverables of Poseidon Med II and welcomed the next era for LNG as fuel, which he characterised as being ‘far from transitional’ as regards to its application in the maritime transportation sector.

Mr. Stavros Lirintzakis, Project Manager on behalf of the Port of Heraklion, supported the above positions and proudly advised the audience that despite the difficulties, the management of the Port Authority and its stakeholders look forward to welcoming similar projects in the future.

Poseidon Med II project is a practical roadmap which aims to bring about the wide adoption of LNG as a safe, environmentally efficient and viable alternative fuel for shipping and help the East Mediterranean marine transportation propel towards a low-carbon future.

The project, which is co-funded by the European Union, involves three countries Greece, Italy and Cyprus, six European ports (Piraeus, Patras, Lemesos, Venice, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa) as well as the Revithoussa LNG terminal.

The project brings together top experts from the marine, energy and financial sectors to design an integrated LNG value chain and establish a well-functioning and sustainable LNG market.

Paving the way for LNG bunkering in Cyprus

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A technical workshop was organised by the EU co-funded project Poseidon Med II on the afternoon of 10th November during the EMC 2021 Conference and Exhibition, in Nicosia. This was an onsite live event aiming at disseminating the Action’s milestones while presenting the synergies in the gas sector that Poseidon Med II has fostered on the island and the wider Eastern Mediterranean area. 

With more than 40 registered attendees, the event was opened by Ms Eliana Charalambous Tanos, Acting Permanent Secretary to Mr Vassilis Demetriades, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President. At her speech she underlined the strategic importance of LNG to Cyprus while explicit reference was made to the Fit for 55 EU package and the framework currently being shaped by the regulators on decarbonization and climate change. 

Mr. G. Polychroniou, Executive Director, Strategy & Business Development at DEPA COMMERCIAL SA addressed the audience afterwards with an introductory note on what the project has achieved to date, also expressing the view that LNG is not a transitional fuel but rather a viable option that will strengthen the position of East Med in the pathway towards a low carbon economy. 

Mr. N. Argyrou, General Manager from Bunkernet undertook the role of Moderator giving the floor to 4 highly respected panelists, to position themselves on the future energy prospects of Cyprus by answering a series of questions. 

Dr. Solomonidis, Chairman of the BoD at Rogan Associates shared in his presentation the project’s activities from the side of infrastructure with a primary focus on the new LNG bunkering position at Vassiliko terminal. He also commented on the contribution of PMED II towards the readiness of the infrastructure in Vassilikos to receive LNG, but also on the next steps required to promote LNG as a marine fuel on the island. 

Dr. Kassianides, Chairman at Cyprus Gas Public Company (DEFA) confirmed that bunkering is certainly a priority for DEFA and they shall invest in relevant functions in the near future. As regards to the gas reserves found, Dr. Kassianides supported that quantities are still small to monetize the reserves but did not exclude any of the future scenarios if the market conditions are positive.

Mr. M.Demetriades, Non-Executive Director at Fameline Holding Group commented on the new project of Navigas under the Fameline Group called ‘BlueHubs’ and expressed the firm commitment of the Group to stay close to the party building the LNG terminal. He also pinpointed that Cyprus is a big ship management centre. 

Mr. Zacharias Siokouros, CEO at the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI) concluded the panel discussion with an insight on the current and future projects that the Institute is involved to support the energy vision of Cyprus. A flagship initiative is the establishment of the Cyprus Decarbonisation Hub to foster new collaborations and research on alternative fuels and technology advancements in shipping.

 

 

Revythoussa truck loading station soon, LNG jetty in 2022

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The development of a truck loading station at the Revythoussa islet LNG terminal just off Athens will be completed and launched by the end of the year, energypress sources have informed.

Also, a new small-scale LNG jetty to serve the truck loading station, and, amongst other things, contribute to LNG bunkering at the nearby Piraeus port, will be ready in autumn next year, the sources added.

The truck loading station is part of gas grid operator DESFA’s ten-year development plan that includes a category for small-scale LNG project installations, worth 40.5 million euros.

According to the ten-year development plan, the new small-scale LNG jetty, budgeted at 20.4 million euros, will be installed at the northeastern section of Revythoussa.

DESFA has already applied for funding support through the National Strategic Reference Framework (2014-2020) that would cover 50.42 percent of the small-scale LNG jetty’s cost.

 

 

DESFA to develop small-scale LNG jetty at terminal by late ‘22

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Gas grid operator DESFA has reached a finalized investment decision to develop a new small-scale LNG jetty at its LNG terminal on the islet Revythoussa, just off Athens, paving the way for the establishment of a small-scale LNG supply chain in Greece.

This new infrastructure, to be developed at the northeastern flank of the islet, will come as an addition to the facility’s LNG truck loading station, contributing, amongst other things, to the emergence of LNG bunkering at the nearby Piraeus port.

The new small-scale LNG jetty, budgeted at 20.4 million euros, is planned to begin operating in autumn, 2022, according to the gas grid operator’s ten-year development plan covering 2021 to 2030.

DESFA has applied for subsidized financing support through the National Strategic Reference Framework (2014-2020), which would cover 50.42 percent of the project’s cost. The operator will either use cash reserves or take out a loan for the remainder of the project’s cost.

LNG bunkering at Piraeus port will begin with supply to small-size gas-fueled vessels.

DEPA, DESFA, Port of Patras sign MoU for LNG bunkering

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Gas utility DEPA, gas grid operator DESFA and the Port Authority of Patras (PPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding, its objective being to promote the use of LNG as marine fuel, given the new opportunities and development prospects for the Port of Patras and the wider region, the three partners have announced in a joint statement.

In particular, the memorandum provisions to jointly explore the LNG market growth capacity in terms of the use of LNG as a marine fuel in Patras, as well as to study all the required actions and the business cooperation framework for the construction of small-scale LNG facilities, as stipulated in the Port of Patras’ master plan, the statement noted.

Furthermore, the three parties agreed to promptly establish a joint task force for the implementation of the MoU and the completion of the required studies so as to:

  1. a) explore the feasibility and the conditions for the construction of small-scale LNG facilities
  2. b) the formulation and submission of the proposal regarding the facilities’ construction financing by European or national resources and
  3. c) the determination of the terms and scheme of a potential cooperation of the companies from a legal and business standpoint, for the promotion of the project.

For its part, PPA will train the Port’s personnel that will support LNG supply procedures and will adapt the Port Regulation so as to include the supply of ships with LNG.

The signing of the MoU is the first step towards the implementation of LNG bunkering at the Port of Patras, expecting to add value to the Port, as it will enhance its competitiveness in the wider Adriatic and Ionian region. At the same time, it will have a positive impact on the environment through the use of LNG as marine fuel.

The use of LNG as a marine fuel has multiple social, economic and environmental benefits, such as the creation of new employment opportunities, reduced public health damage – caused by ship emissions in urban centers near ports and coastal areas – the upgrade of the natural environment by reducing emissions and noise pollution, as well as further development of local economies through the dynamics resulting from using LNG.

Compared to conventional marine fuels, LNG contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and suspended particulate matter (PM).

It is noted that the Port’s master plan was updated in terms of small-scale LNG facilities under the co-financed by the European Union program Poseidon Μed ΙΙ (PMII), which is a practical roadmap towards the wide adoption of LNG as a safe, environmentally efficient and viable alternative fuel for shipping,  helping East Mediterranean marine transportation propel towards a low-carbon future. DEPA is the coordinator of the Poseidon Med II program, DESFA is the technical coordinator and Patras Port Authority  one of the main partners.

On the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the CEO of DEPA, Konstantinos Xifaras, stated:

“DEPA is one of the key LNG suppliers in Greece, with great experience in related activities. In addition, as the coordinator of the European programs POSEIDON MED II and BlueHUBS, our company decisively contributes to the development of a comprehensive LNG supply chain for shipping and ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this context, DEPA is proceeding with the construction of a new LNG bunkering vessel for maritime use and the acquisition of two LNG Tanker Trucks that will serve the port of Piraeus. With this MoU, we join forces with DESFA and PPA to develop LNG facilities in the port of Patras, supplying the ships of the wider area with an environmentally friendly and, at the same time, competitive fuel as required by the EU’s and International Maritime Organization’s latest directives”.

For his part, the CEO of DESFA, Nicola Battilana, stated:

“Infrastructure is a key condition for the development of the regional and national economy. DESFA, as the Operator of the National Natural Gas System, is a strong supporter of any cooperation that contributes to the sustainable development of energy infrastructure. This MoU paves the way for examining the feasibility and the conditions for the construction of small-scale LNG facilities in one of the country’s main ports, while bringing Greece one step closer to developing a core LNG refueling network in maritime and inland ports by the end of 2025 and 2030, respectively, as defined by the DAFI Directive. Having as an ally sustainable development, the port of Patras strengthens its competitiveness to other ports in the Adriatic and Ionian region, while boosting local job openings and improving the environmental conditions of the city of Patras”.

The CEO of PPA Panagiotis Tsonis stated:

“Today is a great day for the Port of Patras. With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, we are taking an important step towards making our Port more modern and more competitive domestically and internationally. I want to thank the Management of DEPA and DESFA for the cooperation and I am confident that we will enter the implementation stage”.

Photo (left to right): Nicola Battilana – CEO DESFA, Konstantinos Xifaras– CEO DEPA, Panagiotis Tsonis- CEO PPA