trans-o-flex to Transport Corona Vaccines at 2-8 Degrees
Sep 30, 2020 at 9:05 PMLa Palette Rouge Launches Recyclable Quarter Pallet
Oct 1, 2020 at 9:07 PMThe German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) engaged in discussions about the utilization possibilities of LNG with German LNG Terminal. There was consensus that Germany needs a liquefied natural gas infrastructure. The planned terminal in Brunsbüttel is intended to support the energy transition.
(Hamburg) “Germany, as one of the largest shipping nations in the world, needs a liquefied natural gas infrastructure for shipping to be prepared for the upcoming energy transition in the industry,” said Ralf Nagel, Executive Board Member of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR). “That is why we welcome projects like the terminal in Brunsbüttel becoming a reality quickly,” Nagel stated after a conversation with Rolf Brouwer, Managing Director of German LNG Terminal GmbH. Brouwer and Nagel exchanged views on the status of the terminal project in Brunsbüttel and the prospects for shipping companies and the maritime economy.
Nagel emphasized that LNG is currently the only marketable fuel available that allows the maritime industry to approach the climate goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and to meet the established air quality targets. It is important in the long term that LNG technology also enables the entry into large-scale use of alternative, so-called “green” gases on board in a climate-neutral manner. “A ship engine that uses oil-based fuels cannot be converted to ‘green gas’ without significant effort – but a dual-fuel or LNG-capable engine can be,” Nagel explained and urged: “We should therefore discuss the use of liquefied natural gas as a propulsion system for large ocean-going vessels without prejudice and weigh it carefully – and we must also build the supply logistics for it at our location.”
Ambitious Project in Brunsbüttel
“The LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel is an ambitious and forward-looking infrastructure project, as natural gas and thus LNG plays an important role in the energy transition. Shipping also faces the particular challenge of significantly reducing emissions of air pollutants. The planned terminal in Brunsbüttel can sensibly support the introduction of more sustainable fuel alternatives, especially for shipping,” Rolf Brouwer summarized the conversation from his perspective. The technology also enables the handling of synthetically produced and thus climate-neutral LNG. “Our project team brings a wealth of relevant experience from German LNG Terminal, allowing us to optimally implement the project from start to finish.”
It is planned to operate with two special berths, so-called jetties. At one jetty, LNG tankers ranging from 120m to approximately 345m in length and with a capacity of about 265,000m³ LNG, known as Q-Max tankers, can be processed. At the other jetty, smaller LNG tankers from 70m to 170m, such as LNG bunker ships, can be processed.
The terminal will have a maximum unloading rate of 14,000 m³/h, which means that large ships can be unloaded in about 20 hours. This includes safety checks, paperwork, tugboat assistance, etc. Smaller LNG tankers will have a correspondingly shorter lay time.
German LNG and the Shareholders – Years of Experience
German LNG Terminal GmbH is a joint venture of the Dutch companies Gasunie LNG Holding B.V., Vopak LNG Holding B.V., and Oiltanking GmbH, a subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls AG, Hamburg. The purpose of the joint venture is to construct and operate a multifunctional import and distribution terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Brunsbüttel. The terminal will also provide a range of services: loading and unloading of LNG carriers, temporary storage of LNG, regasification, feeding into the German gas network, and distribution via tank trucks and LNG tank wagons.
German LNG Terminal has chosen the location in Brunsbüttel. The proximity to the Port of Hamburg and the industrial companies based in the region offers an attractive economic environment. The Nord-East Sea Canal, which runs adjacent to the planned terminal, provides good access to Scandinavian and Baltic countries.
The German Shipowners’ Association
The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) represents the common economic and socio-political interests of German shipping companies at the federal and state levels as well as towards European and international bodies. The VDR was founded in 1907 and merged with the Association of German Coastal Shipowners in 1994. With around 200 members, the VDR represents the majority of the German merchant fleet.
Photo: © Adobe Stock
