Fluxys to build ‘permanent’ LNG bunkering facility at Antwerp

Belgium-based natural gas transmission system operator Fluxys will be adding a permanent liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering facility at Antwerp by the end of 2019 to complement its existing mobile (truck-to-ship) bunkering service, it says.

The company has taken over the concession in the port of Antwerp at quay 526-528 to make the development possible.

“Over the next year and a half Fluxys will construct at quay 526-528 the infrastructure needed for barges and smaller seagoing ships to fill up with LNG at a permanent facility with LNG storage,” it notes.

“For this purpose the company is working closely with G&V Energy Group, which will also build an LNG filling station for trucks on the same site.”

Moving on, Fluxys says an effort has been made by various stakeholders to establish an accreditation process for a LNG bunkering permit.

 “In order to provide LNG bunkering in the port of Antwerp, companies must have a permit from the Antwerp Harbourmaster's Office,” it explains.

“The ports of Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Bremen, Le Havre and Marseille are currently collaborating under the auspices of the International Association of Ports and Harbours to develop a suitable accreditation process, known as the LNG Accreditation Audit Tool.

“The first draft of this international safety standard was welcomed enthusiastically this month in Amsterdam by a broad group of stakeholders.”

Published: 11 April, 2018