Houston-based small-scale LNG firm Stabilis Solutions said it has joined forces with the Port of Galveston to facilitate the use of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel at the port.
In that regard, Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston and Stabilis have entered into a memorandum of understanding, according to a joint statement on Tuesday.
Under the terms of the memorandum, the duo will work together to provide turnkey LNG fueling solutions to marine vessels calling on the port.
This includes identifying suitable dock space for shore-to-ship fueling operations, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, identifying and educating potential customers, but also executing LNG fueling events, the statement said.
Stabilis will deploy its existing fleet of mobile cryogenic assets, including LNG transportation and distribution equipment.
In addition, the firm will provide LNG from its liquefaction facilities in Texas and Louisiana to support fueling operations.
The partners expect LNG bunkering services to start in 2021.
Reducing emissions
“The use of LNG as a marine fuel is critical for marine operators to reduce their emissions profile, and Stabilis is building a North American network of LNG bunkering locations to provide this critical service to our marine customers,” Jim Reddinger, CEO of Stabilis, said.
Moreover, the Port of Galveston is the second LNG marine fueling location, along with the Port of Corpus Christi, that Stabilis would operate on the Gulf Coast, he said.
With this partnership, Stabilis and the Galveston Wharves hope to attract more LNG-fueled vessels and to encourage additional conversions to LNG fuel.
“The Galveston Wharves views LNG fueling of marine vessels as an important step in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” CEO Rodger Rees, said.
“And with the number of LNG-fueled vessels in the global fleet growing rapidly, having LNG fueling services in the port is also an important step in our commercial growth,” he said.
