Gazprom will promote LNG as marine fuel

Apart from LNG supplies for Summa Group needs, the parties will initially consider potential development of the bunkering infrastructure in the North and Baltic Seas, particularly LNG storage facilities. Later on, the parties will evaluate potential development of cooperation in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea regions of the Pacific Ocean, where Summa Group operates vessel and owns a well developed port infrastructure.

“Owing to the united efforts of Summa Group as the infrastructure operator and Gazprom as the biggest global natural gas producer, a really breakthrough project will be implemented. I am sure it will have a long-term positive effect on the environmental friendliness of the marine transport not only in Russia but worldwide and will become a new industry standard,” said Vinokurov.

For Gazprom’s executive, the stringent mandatory restriction on emissions for marine vessels in the Baltic and North Seas, to be imposed after 2015, is the most important factor of switching to LNG. “This is the only fuel that meets the requirements for limitation of emissions by ship engines without the need to install expensive filters and it is favorably priced compared to low-sulfur petrochemicals.” added Medvedev.

Source: Gazprom