Buquebus, Scania and Galileo join forces on a unique LNG vertical integration project in Argentina
The shipping company Buquebus las launched a new sustainable vertical integration project, which involves the incorporation of two new natural gas generators from Caterpillar, a Galileo Patagonia LNG dispenser and two Scania P340 6×2 trucks fully powered by the same type of fuel. The investment was USD 6 million.
This initiative joins the one that had begun eight years ago with the acquisition of the Francisco ferry that runs on LNG and the installation of a modular liquefaction plant in San Vicente, Province of Buenos Aires, which is equipped with Cryobox stations developed by the Argentine company Galileo Technologies to supply the LNG that power the modern vessel.
The new generators will increase the flexibility of the plant and will give it the ability to self-supply electricity with reliable energy, of maximum efficiency and low environmental impact by using natural gas as fuel.
Moreover, the Scania Green Efficiency trucks make Buquebus one of the first companies in the world to incorporate this technology since the brand-new units are fueled exclusively by LNG. These trucks will carry the LNG from the plant in San Vicente to Buquebus terminal in Puerto Madero to refuel the Francisco ferry.
The LNG P340 6×2 trucks allow a range of up to 1,100 kilometers, increase efficiency, reduce noise impact by 50% and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20%, compared to conventional diesel versions. In addition, they achieve a reduction in operating costs of up to 50%. All Scania engines exceed the requirements of the Euro VI standard, the most stringent in Europe in relation to emission control.
The cycle is completed with the incorporation of a modern Galileo Patagonia dispenser of national engineering and industry, whose hose will dispense 150 liters of LNG per minute to the new eco-friendly trucks for fast refueling. This equipment allows operating through virtual gas pipelines, that is, it can be transported and installed in logistics or industrial centers since it does not require connection to the underground gas network. In turn, it is also prepared to dispense bio-LNG, which further reduces polluting emissions.
The presentation ceremony was attended by the Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, Axel Kicillof; the Mayor of San Vicente, Nicolás Mantegazza; the President of Buquebus, Juan Carlos López Mena; the CEO of Scania Argentina, Andrés Leonard; and the Vice President of Galileo Energía, Juan Ojanguren.
“In 2013, we started this dream with Juan Carlos, the first nano LNG plant in the world, which supplies the Francisco ferry, also the fastest LNG-powered ferry in the world. I highlight the union of the companies, because now we are joining with Buquebus and Scania to develop this project and supply LNG to the Buquebus’ trucks that transport the LNG produced at this plant to its terminal in Puerto Madero. As for LNG, we can take gas from conventional gas pipelines, like this case; but at the same time there are many unconnected wells in Argentina, where we can approach, liquefy the gas, place it in isocontainers and transport it to different places, like power plants. We can also go to industries, develop blue corridors with LNG stations, create cities by building a city gate; all of this gives us an opportunity for growth and allows us to promote regional economies, to lower the cost of transportation and basically to provide a clean fuel,” said Juan Ojanguren.
Andrés Leonard also commented: “The path to sustainable and efficient transportation must be addressed by all the links that make up the sector. These trucks in our Green Efficiency line were designed to run exclusively on LNG, and Buquebus’ choice for this type of alternative fuel is essential to continue reducing polluting emissions.”
“This investment is really important because it meets environmental and technological objectives, but it will also imply an improvement in costs. This is a symbolic work of the road that we have to carry out in the province. These are companies that operate in Argentina and that today are thinking of investing and improving not only their income but also the quality of life of our Province and our country. Our responsibility and commitment is to provide them with the necessary conditions so that they can do their business and generate work,” stated Governor Kicillof.
