BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 29. Spanish Enagas company has solidified its standing as a premier European operator in the decarbonization of maritime transport through the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for bunkering, Trend reports via the company.
In 2023, Enagas-operated plants achieved a remarkable milestone, loading 1,359 GWh of LNG as fuel, a more than fourfold increase from the 300 GWh recorded in 2021.
This surge in LNG usage has significantly reduced emissions, preventing over 74,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and nearly eliminating sulphur and nitrogen oxides (SOx and NOx) emissions, thus enhancing air quality in port areas.
The success stems from public-private partnerships like CORE LNGas hive and LNGhive2, co-funded by the European Commission. These initiatives, spearheaded by Puertos del Estado and coordinated by Enagas, have established a comprehensive and efficient logistics chain for LNG fuel supply on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Enagas regasification terminal in Barcelona now supports direct bunkering operations (pipe to ship, PTS) and, since early 2023, has facilitated ship-to-ship (STS) LNG fuel supply through the Haugesund Knutsen vessel, co-owned by Knutsen and Scale Gas. These efforts in the Port of Barcelona alone have prevented 63,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions.
Further advancements were seen with the Levante LNG vessel, co-owned by Peninsula and Scale Gas. In the first four months of 2024, LNG volumes loaded at the Enagas plant in Huelva soared by 82 percent compared to total 2023 supply. This terminal now loads LNG onto STS supply barges and will soon commence PTS operations. Additionally, Scale Gas, supported by Spanish Government's Next Generation funds, is constructing a third LNG and BioLNG supply vessel set to operate primarily in the Canary Islands from 2026.
The Cartagena terminal, a pioneer in Europe for offering PTS services, will soon extend its capabilities to include STS operations. Enagas's wholly owned terminals, along with majority-owned terminals in El Musel (Gijon), Saggas (Sagunto), and BBG (Bilbao), also provide essential Truck to Ship (TTS) services, with BBG additionally offering PTS.
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