Alternative Fuels

Snam and Edison to develop small-scale LNG projects for land and sea decarbonisation in Italy

With small-scale LNG infrastructure and the use of LNG in maritime bunkering, the LNG market in Italy is expected to more than double by 2025, said firms.

Published

3 years ago

July 27, 2022

Admin

European natural gas transport and storage operator Snam and liquefied natural gas (LNG) import operator Edison on Monday (25 July) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) to develop the small-scale LNG market in Italy to foster the decarbonisation of land, sea and rail transport, as well as off-grid industrial and household users.

The initiative will leverage on the development of the Italian liquefied natural gas sector and planned new infrastructure investments to encourage the progressive replacement of diesel and simultaneously boost the use of liquid biomethane (Bio-LNG), said the firms in a joint statement.

The two companies share the vision that LNG is the most solid and effective energy vector to decarbonise large scale transport by reducing the environmental impact through diesel replacement.

As of today, LNG market for heavy goods transport in Italy already accounts for approximately 4,000 trucks, around 130 filling stations and an annual consumption for about 200,000 metric tonnes (mt).

With small-scale infrastructure as well as the use of LNG in maritime bunkering, the market is expected to more than double by 2025 with a potential growth of up to 1.5 million mt in consumption by 2030.

With an increase in the usage market, the number of filling stations is envisaged to grow to around 300 when fully operational. The development of the Small-Scale supply chain will also enable the progressive use of Bio-LNG thus further contributing to the decarbonisation plan announced by the EU with its Fit for 55 package.

"Through this agreement we lay the foundations for a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing the value of Snam’s LNG system, also through the future development of new Small-Scale supply points,” said Stefano Venier, Snam CEO.

“Our aim is to extend the infrastructure needed to speed up the replacement of higher-emission vehicles, particularly in heavy goods and sea transport, and to enable the increased use of biomethane, in line with the European targets of the RePowerEU plan as well as with our mission of supporting the decarbonisation path.”

"Last year, we launched the first integrated logistics supply chain on LNG in Italy, fully aware this vector will play a key role in decarbonising maritime as well as heavy goods transport,” said Nicola Monti, CEO of Edison.

"Through this agreement we can further boost SSLNG market development as well as Bio-LNG usage in Italy, thus maximising our synergies with assets, projects and skills; all elements Edison owns across the whole value chain.”

Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) refers to all logistical activities with which small and medium quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and Bio-LNG, are handled for the heavy goods and sea transport and off-grid users.

Under the agreement, which is not meant to be exclusive, the parties will identify and develop opportunities for collaboration along the entire SSLNG value chain - from truck loading services to road or ship transport, liquefaction and distribution via petrol stations or satellite depots - depending on their respective areas of expertise.

On the Biomethane/Bio-LNG front, the agreement envisages that the two groups identify opportunities for collaboration based on the portfolio of projects currently in place and that are being developed by the two partners with reference to both the commodity produced and the development of assets.

Photo credit: Snam
Published: 27 July, 2022

Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025

LNG Bunkering

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel “Coralius” made its 920th LNG delivery to “Höegh Sunlight”, a brand new PCTC, with a capacity of 9100 CEU, at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden on 10 March.

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Energy company Gasum on Wednesday (19 March) announced its delivery of liquified natural gas (LNG) to a car carrier during a simultaneous bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The company said it was the first ever LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight at the Logent Car Terminal on 10 March 2025.

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel Coralius made its 920th LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight, a brand new Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), with a capacity of 9100 CEU, during a ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

The company did not specify the amount of LNG supplied to the vessel.

The delivery was a collaboration between Gasum, Glander International, Höegh Autoliners, the Port of Gothenburg and Sirius Agency.

Photo credit: Gasum
Published: 20 March, 2025