Bomin Linde, Lithuanian LNG Terminal sign MoU
OSLO, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Lithuania's liquefied natural gas import terminal and Germany's Bomin Linde LNG will work together to develop the use of LNG as marine fuel in the Baltic Sea, the terminal's operator Klaipedos Nafta said on Thursday. Lithuania opened the first LNG import terminal in the Baltic states last December to cut its dependence on pipeline gas imports from Russia. "In close cooperation both companies aim to jointly develop the LNG fuel market including the necessary infrastructure in Baltic Sea," Klaipedos Nafta said in a statement after signing a memorandum of understanding with the German LNG supplier. LNG demand for shipping in the Baltic region is going to increase due to stricter environmental regulations for sulphur content in the fuel.
LNG Bunker JV Project for European Ports Supply
Bomin & Linde outline JV plans to target infrastructure supply of LNG in the European maritime sector. The Linde Group announce a joint venture with Bomin, a subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls, to build infrastructure for liquefied natural gas in the European maritime sector. The transaction, subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities is due to start its operations in the latter part of 2012 with headquarters in Hamburg. The Joint Venture company will establish operations in a number of key ports throughout the so-called "Emission Control Areas" in North-West Europe. Vessel emissions in ECAs will have to be reduced from January 1st 2015, which would force ship owners to limit their sulphur emissions drastically.
Rhine Shipping Goes Online
Dutch oil, chemicals and storage group Petroplus is one of the partners to launch an Internet-based portal and online exchange to transform the traditional Rhine-based shipping sector. Shippers, integrated barge owner companies, independent barge brokers and individual barge owners will have the opportunity to conduct business online through this portal, Petroplus said in a statement. The other founding shareholders of the project are BP Amoco, shipping and tank storage firm Royal Vopak and Germany's Marquard & Bahls AG which trades under the brand names Mabanaft and Oiltanking. The project is supported by the Rhine Barge Owners Association, Petroplus added. Management and technology consultancy Booz Allen & Hamilton will provide strategy and e-technology services to the venture.
