LNG Tugboat Re-Fuels in Zeebrugge, Belgium
Claimed by the Port of Zeebrugge to be the world's first LNG fuelled tugboat, the M/T Borgoy was refuelled recently in the Belgian coastal port in a tanker truck to ship (TTS) operation.
The Port informs that this tugboat emits nearly 30 percent less CO2 and up to 90 percent less NOx and fine dust than conventionally-powered tugs. She is the first of two identical tug boats ordered by the Norwegian BUBE (Buksér og Berging AS) and was constructed in the Sanmar shipyard in Turkey.
M/T Borgoy called at Zeebrugge on her way to take up a long-term operational contract for Statoil in Norwegian waters based in Karsto.
Joachim Coens, CEO Port of Zeebrugge commented: "This bunkering operation is of the greatest importance to the port of Zeebrugge. Firstly, we can be proud that BUBE has chosen Zeebrugge to perform this operation. Secondly, it is a confirmation of the time and effort weve invested in becoming a first mover in LNG bunkering. We've started up several projects with different parties which are all in very different stages of development. To see this project performed successfully is very gratifying."
Background to LNG bunkering in the port of Zeebrugge
While the energy business is undergoing massive changes due to ecological and financial concerns, Zeebrugge, a gas-hub for over 27 years, aims to play a lead role in the evolution of LNG fuelling for ships.
With the LNG terminal in Zeebrugges outer port, the Zeepipe, a 814 kilometer long pipeline from Norway, and the Interconnector, a bi-directional pipeline between Bacton and Zeebrugge, the coastal port has grown into a gas crossroads that covers up to 15% of the Northwestern European market.
For Truck To Ship (TTS) bunkering, a first truck loading station has been operational for several years and a second station is to be built in the near future.
www.portofzeebrugge.be
