Poseidon Med II, a key co-funded European project, paves the way to a dynamic expansion of LNG (liquefied natural gas) in the Eastern Mediterranean marine transportation.
LNG is a safe and environmental – friendly fuel that has already spread to the seafaring transport in the regions of Northern Europe and Western Mediterranean.
Aiming to establish a viable, efficient and sustainable LNG supply chain in the Eastern Mediterranean region, PMII, has taken, up-to-now, all the necessary steps;
Development by experts of all the conceptual design, safety, preliminary environmental and supporting engineering studies for the construction of small- scale LNG bunkering infrastructure at five ports of the Eastern Mediterranean (Piraeus, Patras, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa and Limassol).
Preparation of an addendum to the Master Plan of the port of Piraeus, identifying the areas where Ship to Ship (STS) and Truck to Ship (TTS) LNG bunkering operations are going to take place and submitted it to the relevant authority for approval. For the port of Heraklion, the Master Plan update for the proposed LNG bunkering installation has already been submitted for approval. Finally, the Master Plans, along with the accompanying preliminary safety and environmental impact assessments, for the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa, have been completed and already been approved by the competent authority, i.e. the Port Planning and Development Committee (ESAL).
Relocation of the proposed LNG infrastructure to Vassilikos Terminal in Cyprus, where a new Jetty/FSRU infrastructure will be constructed. The programme is planning a permanent berth for the docking of LNG bunkering vessels, opposite to the jetty for the FSRU berthing in Vassilikos area.
Completion of the design studies for the construction of a small-scale LNG jetty (for the loading of bunkering & feeder vessels) and a truck loading station (for bunkering and off grid consumers' supply) at Revithousa LNG Terminal, while the tendering procedure for awarding the construction of the truck loading station is in progress.
Key contribution to the accomplishment of the Regulatory and Legislative framework for the implementation of safe LNG Bunkering operations in Greek ports, established by a Presidential Decree (PD 64/2019), published on June 20th in the Government Gazette.
Drafting a general "LNG Bunkering Manual" while setting standards for the appropriate training and competences of the involved personnel.
Completion of the conceptual and detailed designs for the retro-fitting of ten conventional fueled vessels to LNG powered vessels. Moreover, the design studies for two new-built LNG fueled passenger ferries have been finalized, among which those for an innovative RO-PAX ferry that will use environmentally friendly technologies to improve propulsion and efficiency. All above-mentioned designs have received the Approval in Principle Certification by a classification society.
Completion of the designs for the construction of an innovative LNG Semi-Ballastable Barge Transporter (SBBT), for the Venice Lagoon area and submitted them to the classification society. The majority of the designs have already been approved and the contract for the construction has been awarded in September 2019.
Assessment study for seven Greek shipyards regarding their ability to support LNG fueled vessels maintenance, repairs and retrofits.
Preparation of Cost Benefit Analyses and the relevant Financial Instruments for the SSLNG facilities of the five Ports and the ten selected vessels.
Pre-Assessment of the LNG bunkering logistics' cost, taking into account synergies with other energy sectors, such as supplying with natural gas the industrial and/or the urban network of Western Greece (Patras & Igoumenitsa) and Vassilikos (Cyprus).
Poseidon Med II, initiated just four years ago, has already laid the foundations for LNG bunkering in Eastern Mediterranean, setting the example for a cleaner, more effective, competitive and sustainable marine transportation towards a zero-carbon future.
Website: www.poseidonmedii.eu
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