Linde and Bomin to Provide for LNG Bunkering in Europe

Linde and Bomin—a marine fuels specialist based in Hamburg, Germany—have announced that they are forming a 50–50 joint venture company to build an infrastructure for LNG in the maritime sector in Europe. The initial focus of the new entity, which will be located in Hamburg, will be the key ports in Northwestern Europe’s Emission Control Areas, where LNG is expected to help ship operators significantly reduce their sulfur-related emissions. “The use of LNG as a solution for meeting the increasingly strict regulations requires a network of LNG storage facilities to be set up for the bunkering of vessels in main European harbors,” Linde says. “The new joint venture will set out to establish an LNG supply chain and to provide reliable, safe and environmentally friendly fuel to ship owners and operators.” Global demand for LNG is expected to increase by more than 10 percent per year, Linde says, “making it the fastest growing energy product in the world.” In 2015, some 70 vessels are expected to run on LNG in the Nordic region. According to a study by the Danish Maritime Authority, the consumption potential of LNG is estimated to reach approximately 4 million tons by 2020.