Hamburg banks on liquefied gas

A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the aim of preparing a feasibility study to make sure that the use of LNG at Hamburg is commercially viable. Results are expected in mid 2012.

Of course, both concerns want to promote the use of LNG as an alternative fuel for ships and trucks.

Jens Meier, chairman of the HPA’s management board, said: “We want to encourage the port industry and technology enterprises in the port of Hamburg to co-operate more closely. Our aim is to develop sustainable long-term solutions that take account of the economic framework conditions and place more emphasis on green technologies at the same time.”

Emissions from burning natural gas are substantially lower than those created by diesel or heavy fuel oils and there is a rising demand for LNG solutions to meet stricter environmental standards.

Germanischer Lloyd is currently conducting two studies on LNG in which HPA is involved. The agreement between HPA and Linde ensures that both the economic and legal requirements of LNG terminals are adherred to when it comes to future planning.