LNG Bunkering

Poseidon Med II: LNG as maritime fuel in Eastern Mediterranean sea

First post-IMO 2020 conference in Piraeus highlights the port’s key competitive advantages in LNG bunkering that could set the tone for the region.

Published

6 years ago

March 10, 2020

Admin

LNG Bunkering Project, Poseidon Med II on Tuesday (10th March) said its first post-Sulphur conference organised by the Poseidon Med II project partners held at the Piraeus Port Authority Conference Hall on 26 February attracted over 200 delegates mainly from the shipping and energy sector.

The main highlight of the conference was the potential use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel for maritime transports in Eastern Mediterranean sea.

The European co-financed Poseidon Med II’s role is to set the course for the creation of a viable and efficient LNG supply chain in the Eastern Mediterranean region, in line with the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Green Agreement aimed at limiting sulfur oxides emissions in fuel oil used on board ships from 2020 and the gradual de-carbonization of international shipping by 2050.

“Since the Piraeus Hub area represents the greatest port in the Mediterranean in short sea shipping volume with passenger vessels, car carriers, container liners and terminals, and shipyards we encourage and support actions aiming to reduce emissions,” said Yu Zeng Gang, Board of Directors Chairman at the Piraeus Port Authority S.A., at the conference opening.

“It is an ambitious and significant effort reflecting the industry preparation to meet the environmental targets set by international regulations.”

“The advantages of LNG are well in line with the challenges that global shipping has to face by applying the new rules for environmental protection,” said Ioannis Plakiotakis, Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy in his welcome address.

In her keynote address, Maria Spyraki Member of European Parliament (MEP), highlighted the important role of gas to make the energy transition to clean energy sustainable, as it provides environmental benefits, security of supply and flexibility in the energy system.

At the same time, she pointed to the risk of existing investment in energy storage and transfer of natural gas to become stranded assets.

She therefore urged for the upgrade of existing infrastructure so it could immediately have the capacity to store and transfer hydrogen and natural gas from renewable sources.

“I would like to assure you that DEPA remains fully committed to the successful completion of Poseidon Med II, always keeping its eyes on the future. And we will continue at the same path, visioning and working for more clean, competitive and sustainable maritime transportation in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Konstantinos Xifaras, Chief Executive Officer of Public Gas Corporation of Greece (DEPA).

“Key to this effort is the dynamic expansion of LNG as marine fuel, which is the most reliable and at the same time the most cost effective one, compared to conventional fuels.”

“DEPA is already preparing for the next day in shipping, building – as part of the Blue Hubs program, which is the evolution of PMII – a state-of-the-art LNG vessel, with total capacity 3,000 cubic meter, based in Piraeus, to refuel coastal and other vessels not only in the country’s largest port but in other ports as well,” he concludes.

Fernando Kalligas, Head of Chief Executive Office of the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) pointed out that it is important the key role of LNG in the sustainable shipping decarbonization with the 2020- 2030 decade being the most important one, stressing the urgency for early action to achieve an effective long-term response to climate change.

LNG pricing, the decarbonisation debate, the infrastructure bottlenecks and the shipowners’ perspectives to LNG as fuel pathways were at the core of the discussion of the first session between industry specialists.

Specific emphasis was given to competitiveness of LNG versus VLSFO, the challenge of LNG availability across routes, the methane slip performance for marine engines and incentives and supporting schemes for shipowners to switch to LNG-fuelled vessels.

“Current conditions signify strong prospects for the LNG as a marine fuel, while the deployment of LNG refueling infrastructure in major ports worldwide propel the LNG forward into the markets, at a moment that pricing levels appear to be significantly competitive”.

Focus points of the last panel discussion included Piraeus Port’s readiness to accommodate LNG bunkering operations and the BlueGrid investment plans in supplying LNG bunkering.

Panels also included the Spanish rich experience on LNG bunkering, the significant role of collaboration with local authorities, the training and awareness components for building a positive public perception towards the use of LNG were among the highlights of the session.

“The significant geostrategic location and dimensionality of Piraeus which is very close to Revithoussa LNG Bunkering terminal, provides the port with unique competitive advantages,” said Dimitris Spyrou, Piraeus Port Authority’s Strategic Planning & Marketing Consultant.

“The planned port infrastructure expansion to allow LNG bunkering operations, will secure more benefits for the shipping companies that will lead to more intelligent decision outputs,” he concluded.

Photo credit: Poseidon Med II
Published: 10 March, 2020

LNG Bunkering

Chinese firms form pact for 20,000 cbm LNG bunkering vessel project

CM Energy Tech, Seacon Shipping Group and China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) signed a joint venture agreement for 1+1 20,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessels.

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2026

Admin

CM Energy Tech Co Ltd, Seacon Shipping Group Holdings Limited and China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co Ltd on Tuesday (26 May) signed a joint venture agreement for the construction of 1+1 20,000 cubic meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessels.

The parties also signed a shipbuilding contract for the first vessel, which will be constructed by China Merchants Heavy Industry.

The project combines CM Energy Tech’s access to the China Merchants Group ecosystem, Seacon Shipping Group’s expertise in ship management and operations, and China Merchants Heavy Industry’s shipbuilding capabilities. The partners said the initiative is intended to address the shortage of large-capacity LNG bunkering vessels in the Chinese market.

The newbuild LNG bunkering vessel will feature dual C-type independent cargo tanks and is designed with a boil-off rate of just 0.16% per day. It will also be capable of delivering LNG at a bunkering rate of up to 2,000 cbm per hour, enabling efficient refuelling of large LNG-fuelled vessels.

The vessel will be powered by Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines and will comply with IMO Tier III emissions requirements. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

The three companies said they plan to further expand cooperation across the LNG value chain, strengthen their presence in the marine energy sector and provide customers with integrated LNG bunkering services focused on safety, operational efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Photo credit: David Yu from Pixabay
Published: 5 June, 2026

Alternative Fuels

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

DNV says shipowners are adopting more varied fuel strategies, reflecting a growing emphasis on optionality, regulatory compliance and risk management in long-life vessel investments.

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2026

Admin

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 36 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in May 2026.

Activity was primarily driven by LPG/ethane carriers, which accounted for 26 of the orders. A further eight LNG-fuelled vessels were ordered, including six container vessels and two car carriers, alongside two ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers.

So far in 2026, a total of 119 orders have been placed for alternative-fuelled vessels. Of these, LNG-fuelled vessels (60) account for the largest share of the orderbook, with the majority of these (42) coming from the container segment, and a smaller share (12) from car carriers.

A further 50 orders have been placed for LPG/ethane carriers, while activity in other fuel types remains limited, with orders for methanol/ethanol (4), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1).

By the end of May, the share of alternative-fuelled vessels in total tonnage was notably lower than over the same period in 2025.

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “While the pace of alternative-fuelled contracting has varied compared to 2025, the industry continues to move forward in its transition, with owners advancing fuel and technology decisions against a backdrop of evolving regulatory and market conditions.

“As in previous years, ordering of alternative-fuelled vessels has been led by the container segment, but dynamics are shifting. While activity remains strong, the focus has moved towards smaller vessels, with fewer very large container ships, which are historically more likely to adopt alternative fuels, being ordered. At the same time, we are seeing increased activity in tanker and bulker segments.

“What is also becoming clearer is that fuel choice is no longer approached as a single bet. Owners are increasingly treating it as a portfolio decision, managing fuel optionality, timing of investment, and exposure to future regulation as they navigate long-life asset decisions.

“This is reflected in more varied ordering patterns, reinforcing that the transition is not progressing in a straight line.”

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 5 June, 2026

Newbuilding

“K” Line orders four LNG dual-fuel car carriers from Chinese yard

Firm says it has signed shipbuilding contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) for four 1,380-vehicle capacity LNG dual-fuel car carriers, designed for European short sea shipping operations.

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2026

Admin

Japanese shipping giant Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) on Thursday (4 June) announced that it has signed shipbuilding contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co Ltd for four 1,380-vehicle capacity LNG dual-fuel car carriers.

The vessels were ordered for “K” Line European Sea Highway Services GmbH (KESS), the “K” LINE’s European subsidiary.

The vessels are designed for the frequent transport of small lots in European short sea shipping. They are also designed to comply with size restrictions, which some European ports for imported cars have. “K” LINE is confident that these vessel specifications will give KESS a competitive advantage in its European short sea shipping operations.

The use of LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas (GHG), by 25% to 30% and emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), which cause air pollution, by almost 100% compared to conventional vessels using heavy fuel oil. Additionally, to further reduce GHG emissions throughout the “K” LINE Group, the company will consider using bio-diesel and bio-LNG fuel, or liquefied bio methane, in addition to LNG fuel.

The vessels each use a high-pressure type ME-GI engine with a shaft generator, reducing emissions of methane slip (unburst gas), which is a greenhouse gas (GHG). While boil-off gas (BOG) generated from LNG tanks is generally used as fuel for generator engines on a vessel with a high-pressure main engine, these vessels are equipped with vacuum-insulated LNG tanks to reduce the generation of BOG. This enables a machinery configuration with lower methane slip emissions.

Under the Group’s long-term environmental policy, the “K” LINE Group set the target of achieving net-zero GHG emissions in 2050. In line with this, “K” LINE has been working to introduce and operate LNG-fuelled ships. The continuous use of bio-LNG is one of its key initiatives for achieving this target.

Photo credit: Scott Graham
Published: 5 June, 2026