Naturgy has successfully refueled the LNG-powered “Ireland” in the port of Valencia. This was also the first time that LNG was supplied to two different vessels the same day in the same port, which demonstrates the growth that the use of LNG as marine fuel is experiencing.
The bunkering of the “Ireland”, a cement carrier that docked in the port of Valencia exclusively to refuel LNG before continuing its route to Turkey, was carried out using a 45 m3 (about 20 tons) tanker truck. The operation, which lasted three hours, was the result of collaboration between Naturgy and Nauticor, companies that have been working for years in promoting the use of LNG as fuel in their respective areas of influence.
The LNG supplied comes from the SAGGAS regasification plant in Sagunto, and Naturgy carried out the operation together with the transport company ESK, a collaborator of the energy company in operations of this type for industrial clients.
The challenge of successfully carrying out an operation of this type, as well as the strategic location of Spain on the Mediterranean merchant routes, demonstrate the rise of bunkering in this geographical environment and the role that natural gas plays in heavy transport, in this specific case the maritime sector.
Naturgy carried out more than 30% of bunkering operations in Spain during 2019, supplying 1,600 tons of LNG to ships.
Source: Naturgy
