Turkey state-owned oil company BOTAS, Arkas Petrol, a subsidiary of Arkas Holding, and Sumitomo Corporation on Wednesday (8 September) said they have agreed to cooperate in the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as bunker fuel on vessels.
The Tri-Party Agreement signed by BOTAS, Turkey’s public institution in the areas of energy, trade, transportation and storage; Arkas Bunkering, a well-known physical supplier in Turkey; and Sumitomo, a global trading company that is an expert in LNG operations in the world, aims to make the use of LNG as bunker fuel more prevailing.
Turkey has already become one of the largest hubs for the fuel supply of vessels that pass through the East Mediterranean.
The number of bunker vessels, which are used in providing LNG bunkering services particularly in Europe’s main terminals such as Rotterdam and Barcelona, is increasing day by day. While there were only six LNG bunker vessels in 2019, this number doubled in 2020. Furthermore, the number of ordered LNG bunker vessels has reached 27.
“BOTAS, having adopted to becoming the most eco- friendly institution as its motto, is one of the global energy market players that operates 23,000 km of national and international oil and natural gas pipelines, Silivri and Tuz Golu Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities, as well as two regasification units, namely Dortyol FSRU and Marmara Ereglisi LNG Regasification Facility, in accordance with international standards,” said Burhan Ozcan, General Manager of BOTAS.
“The introduction of the first LNG bunkering service in our country and the establishment of an LNG bunkering hub in line with our policy that supports the use of more eco-friendly bunker fuels in seas are great new steps for BOTAS, which is a pioneer in introducing new practices, and for our country.”
“We are providing bunkering services with our experienced staff and the brand trust of Arkas, a maritime company in Turkey with a strong vessel fleet, by following a business approach that does not compromise on quality,” notes Seckin Gul, General Manager of Arkas Bunkering.
“Making sustainable policies and investing in the field of energy is a very important issue for Arkas Bunkering in terms of adding value to our country and our customers.
“For this purpose, we have already started to make preparations for the supply of LNG as bunker fuel in Turkey. Thanks to this Tri-Party Agreement, Turkey will become a bunkering hub for LNG supply in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
“Sumitomo Corporation is an experienced and global trading company that invests in natural gas and LNG. Having started LNG bunkering business in Asia and North America, we have been a global bunker fuel supplier for many years,” shares Yukio Kanazawa, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sumitomo Corporation Turkey.
“Our corporation is committed to be carbon neutral by 2050. With our strong and experienced Turkish business partners, we would like to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions and the creation of an LNG bunkering hub in Turkey.”
Photo credit: Arkas Holdings
Published: 9 September, 2021
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