Singapore gains LNG truck loading facility

The southeast Asian port said the station will facilitate the bunkering of ships as well as shore-based furnaces that use liquefied natural gas as fuel.    Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd (SLNG) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) last week opened a facility within the SLNG Terminal on Jurong Island for loading liquefied natural gas (LNG) on trucks.
   The facility allows small quantities of LNG to be transported overland to nearly any location where it may be needed, which may include industrial plants that could use natural gas for furnaces and burners, but are not connected to the gas pipeline network, and locations in the port from where LNG may be delivered to ships for use as fuel, the port said.
   SLNG CEO John Ng said, “While it is still too early to tell how fast or how far these businesses will grow, the prospects look good, particularly for LNG bunkering. SLNG will remain committed to do its part, within its capabilities, to nurture the growth of these trades. As the demand grows and there is a viable business case, the SLNG Terminal’s design masterplan provides for at least another four truck loading bays to be built.”
   MPA CEO Andrew Tan said Singapore is the world’s leading bunkering hub.
   “We need to ensure that we cater to the future energy needs of the global shipping industry by providing cleaner, alternative sources of fuel. While it may take time for LNG to take off as a marine fuel globally, we have taken steps to kick-start LNG bunkering in Singapore through our LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme,” he said. “The completion of the truck loading facility marks another important milestone as it will enable truck-to-ship LNG bunkering in Singapore.”