Port Copenhagen Malmo conducted the first LNG bunkering

The first ship to be refueled with liquefied natural gas at Copenhagen Malmo port was MV Ireland, a bulk ship adapted to transport cement.

According to the port board of Copenhagen Malmo, MV Ireland was bunkered with liquefied natural gas LNG via car tanks during the cement unloading.

The bunkering operation was possible thanks to a contract between the LNG supplier SkkanGas and the port of Copenhagen Malmo. Companies jointly analysed risks, took appropriate precautions and developed procedures for LNG bunkering operations in port.

– MV Ireland was supplied in LNG through two tanks standing on the port wharf. Bunkering went smoothly. We are satisfied that from now on we can offer such an opportunity," said manager Emil Nordström from the port of Copenhagen Malmo. "We are currently considering various solutions that will enable us to refuel more types of ships. We are thinking about bunkering from ships or investing in our own LNG infrastructure in the future," he added.

The refuelling of LNG ships entails additional safety requirements that ports must meet. Liquefied natural gas must be stored at – 162°C. One car tank can hold approx. 40 m six LNG, and the refueling takes about an hour. During the entire operation, part of the wharf must be adequately separated.

MV Ireland, who was the first to be bunkered in the port of Copenhagen Malmo, is one of the first ships in the world equipped with a LNG powertrain.

It is worth noting that in recent times the first refueling of LNG vessels was also carried out in the British port of Immingham and Spanish Bilbao and Santander.

Signature: MB