Galveston Wharves at Port of Galveston (the Port) and energy transition services provider Stabilis Solutions Inc. (Stabilis) on Tuesday (3 August) said they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel at the port.
Under the terms of the MOU, the Port and Stabilis will work together to provide turnkey LNG fuelling solutions to marine vessels calling on the Port, including identifying suitable dock space for shore-to-ship fuelling operations, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, identifying and educating potential customers, and executing LNG fuelling events.
Stabilis will deploy its existing fleet of mobile cryogenic assets, including LNG transportation and distribution equipment, and provide LNG from its liquefaction facilities in Texas and Louisiana to support LNG fuelling operations.
LNG bunkering services are expected to be available in 2021.
“Stabilis is proud to partner with the Galveston Wharves on this LNG marine bunkering opportunity,” said Jim Reddinger, President and CEO of Stabilis.
“The use of LNG as a marine fuel is critical for marine operators to reduce their emissions profile, and Stabilis is building a North American network of LNG bunkering locations to provide this critical service to our marine customers.
“The Port of Galveston is the second LNG marine fuelling location (along with the Port of Corpus Christi) that Stabilis will operate on the Gulf Coast. As our marine customers pursue their environmental, commercial, and operational goals in the energy transition, Stabilis will be there to support them.”
The number of LNG-powered vessels in the world fleet is growing rapidly as LNG fuel benefits marine customers in both efficiency and emissions reductions compared to conventional marine fuels.
According to DNV, demand for LNG as a marine fuel is projected to grow from approximately 1.0 million tons per annum (mtpa) in 2020 to nearly 4.0 mtpa by 2024, a compound annual growth rate of over 30%.
With this partnership providing LNG fuel and services, Stabilis and the Galveston Wharves hope to attract more LNG-fuelled vessels and to encourage additional conversions to LNG fuel.
Stabilis and the Galveston Wharves have committed to providing extensive education and technical support to potential customers.
“The Galveston Wharves views LNG fuelling of marine vessels as an important step in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director and CEO.
“And with the number of LNG-fuelled vessels in the global fleet growing rapidly, having LNG fuelling services in the port is also an important step in our commercial growth. We look forward to working with Stabilis on this project.”
Photo credit: Galveston Wharves at Port of Galveston
Published: 4 August, 2021
Discussions around the need to develop methanol bunkering operations are taking place at numerous ports ahead of estimated demand of above 7M mtpa by 2030, says Chris Chatterton of Methanol Institute.
‘Economics of the shipping market will be the key driver enabling methanol to be adopted at a higher pace going forth over next couple years as market begins to return to more normal rates,’ states COO.
Integr8 Fuel injunction varied by Singapore Court to allow former employees to start work at Hartree Group in December 2022 following failure to produce evidence on biofuels development plans.
Variability of sources can affect the stability and performance of biofuel bunkers produced from these feedstocks, in turn leading to difficulties in meeting regulations and industry standards, shares Bryan Quek.
Top three positive movers in 2022 were Bunker House Petroleum Pte Ltd (+7), Eastpoint International Marketing Pte Ltd (+5), and Eng Hua Company (Pte) Ltd (+6); newcomer Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore) gets 19th spot.
Livestock carrier also involved in earlier bunker claim with Glander International Bunkering due to remaining unpaid fuel bill of approximately USD 116,000, according to court documents obtained by Manifold Times.