The UK port of Portsmouth has carried out the first LNG bunkering operation.
The ‘Saint-Malo’, the first of two new electric-hybrid ropaxes from Brittany Ferries, took on LNG fuel from the ‘Optimus’, an LNG bunkering barge operated by Titan Clean Fuels.
Titan was issued a permit to perform LNG bunkering operations at Portsmouth International Port earlier this month, following a long-term agreement signed between the Dutch company and Brittany Ferries. LNG bunkering is now available to all customers at Portsmouth.
LNG emits significantly lower levels of harmful particulates compared to usual heavy marine fuel oils, which leads to an improvement in air quality for residents. LNG also allows for the blending in of BioLNG derived from organic waste at any proportion requested, offering further de-carbonisation options to the shipping industry.
Ben McInnes, Portsmouth International Port’s Harbour Master, said: “We’ve worked hard to make sure we can bring safe and efficient LNG bunkering to our customers, including visits to other LNG operations in Europe, and employing independent expert consultants.
“As well as our goals to be carbon net-neutral by 2030 and emissions free by 2050, we’re also committed to improving air quality for those who live and work in Portsmouth, which we can do by providing LNG.
“Later this year we’ll also be offering clean electricity to ships that are able to plug into our new shore power system, further improving air quality and reducing emissions for those ships, with the prospect of zero emissions for hybrid vessels operating within Portsmouth harbour,” he said.
Gregoire Hartig, Titan’s Commercial Director, added: “With Brittany Ferries, we are extremely happy to support a ferry operator investing in and acting to reduce its environmental footprint.
“As a pioneer in the delivery of LNG and LBM (liquid biomethane) to the shipping community, Titan strives at making the shipping industry more sustainable and fit for tightening regulations. A very warm welcome to Brittany Ferries amongst our customers,” he said.
