Recognizing that LNG is one of the best solutions for complying with upcoming emission regulations for ships, DNV is currently conducting a feasibility study for the Flemish Government relating to the provision of LNG bunkering facilities in three Belgian ports.

The annual Process & Asset Risk Management Conference (PARC) focused on LNG opportunities in addition to debating the future of energy supply. The conference, which was hosted by DNV in Brussels last week, brought together EU regulators, industry experts and port representatives.

Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Ghent add to the list of European ports making an investment in LNG bunkering facilities, which includes ports in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Poland. “The Flemish port authorities are optimistic about the potential for safe and efficient LNG bunkering operations and DNV’s multidisciplinary analysis will help them move forward confidently,” says Mohamed Houari, DNV Head of Solutions for Central Europe, adding: “I’m now looking forward to seeing how we can proactively use this strategic project success and replicate it in other areas.”

In his address to the conference in Brussels, Pim Bonne of the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works’ Ports and Water Policy Division explained that the study carried out by DNV, which will be finalised in June, will help consider what needs to be done in terms of amendments to legislation relating to ports and the role of government funding in order to encourage the development of an LNG bunkering infrastructure.

Speaking at the conference, Yolanda García Mezquita from the European Commission’s DG Energy voiced the need to develop infrastructure and environmental and operational standards in order to secure the gas supply. In line with this, her colleague from DG Mobility and Transport, José Anselmo, stressed the need for better energy connections between member states. Anselmo presented the EU co-funding opportunities for LNG projects, mentioning in particular the European Investment Bank, Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and Connecting Europe Facility.

A functional and standardised bunkering infrastructure is a prerequisite for the widespread use of LNG in global shipping. DNV chairs the ISO working group tasked with the development of internationally agreed guidelines.