EU Funds LNG Marine Fuel Projects

EU Funds LNG Marine Fuel Projects

Four of seven projects approved for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) by EU Member States will contribute to the deployment of sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure. Several projects also seek to exploit synergies with the energy sector.

EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc stated: “European transport still depends on oil for 94% of its energy needs. That is why the EU is investing in seven projects to speed up the deployment of alternative energy sources, with a special focus on electrification and multimodal transport”.

EU Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete, noted: “Enabling synergies between the transport and energy sectors will enhance the effectiveness of EU funding and will contribute to the further integration of the internal energy market. The successful conclusion of the first CEF synergy call is yet another milestone in the achievement of our long-term decarbonisation objectives”.

Selected projects concern studies with or without pilot deployment contributing to the implementation of at least one project of common interest (PCI) in each of the transport and energy sectors. The following projects encompass activities leading to the uptake or increase of natural gas fuel for transportation:

CYnergy seeks to establish a natural gas supply system on the island of Cyprus. Included is a focus on executing studies leading to the possible development of a secondary LNG INTRAMED market utilising small-scale LNG bunkering vessels. Funding €4,482,000 (60% of eligible cost).

Go4Synergy in LNG plans a study aimed at creating a pilot deployment of a motorway of the sea link between a small scale LNG-to-container transhipment facility in Zeebrugge (BE) and a ship bunkering facility in Gothenburg (SE). This Action will contribute to make the Port of Gothenburg a major regional hub, by feeding LNG into the grid and offering refuelling options for ships and road vehicles. Funding €2,629,500 (60%).

Technical Study and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Development of LNG as a Marine Fuel in Malta – this Action plans to deliver a study and a cost benefit analysis (CBA), which aims at providing recommendations regarding the development of LNG as a marine fuel. Funding €600,000 (60%).

The small-scale LNG Reloading Terminal in Gdansk and bunkering services proposal will focus on provision of a set of studies and Cost Benefit analyses aimed at providing recommendations regarding the development of LNG as a marine fuel at the Port of Gdansk, a maritime core port on the Baltic-Adriatic corridor. The project will also consider development of LNG for road transport as far as it is associated with the corridor. Funding €1,048,450 (60%).

Launched in September 2016 with a total budget of €40 million, the first CEF Synergy call triggered nine eligible project proposals, of which seven were selected for funding. The Commission funding decision is scheduled for adoption by end April. The EU’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) intends to sign the individual grant agreements with the project beneficiaries by August 2017.

Background

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European level. €22.4 billion will be made available from the EU’s 2014-2020 budget to co-fund transport projects in the EU Member States whilst €4.7 billion will support projects in the energy sector. The funding is implemented in the form of grants, managed by INEA, and through financial instruments.

https://www.ngvglobal.com/blog/46325-0424