MUMBAI: The Ministry of Shipping is planning a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering facility at Dharamtar Creek near Mumbai, similar to the one being set up within the premises of Haldia Dock Complex on the Eastern coast.
“If a vessel sails between Mumbai-Goa and uses LNG as a fuel, the fuel cost saving will be up to 75%,” said Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari recently.
LNG Bunkering involves transfer of LNG fuel from a distribution source to an LNG-fuelled ship.
Atul Patne, Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) said, “Discussions are going on with two oil marketing companies (OMCs) – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Soon, one of the two OMCs will be provided with land on lease to have an LNG bunker.”
The project is likely to be a joint venture between one of these OMCs and a private player.
MMB has two parcels of land at Dharamtar, one being 2 acre and the other 4 acre. Either of the plots will be utilised for dispensing LNG.
Additionally, MMB along with other players such as MbPT and City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd has plans to operate Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) and Roll On-Roll Off Passenger (Ro-Pax) services connecting Ferry Wharf (Mumbai)-Nerul (Navi Mumbai) and Mandwa. These vessels may also opt for dual fuel.
Source: Dailyshippingtimes.com
