As a result of a European public tender, the Antwerp Port Authority appointed ship owning company EXMAR as its strategic partner for LNG bunkering in the port of Antwerp. Both partners have teamed up for the development of an LNG bunkership as well as for the execution of several further required studies.

LNG as a fuel is an excellent solution for ship owners to meet the various emission regulations that will come into force as from 2015. Compared to traditional ship fuels such as heavy fuel oil and diesel, the use of LNG significantly reduces the emission of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, CO2 and particulate matter. LNG is therefore considered as the ship fuel of the future.

Through their strategic alliance, the Port Authority and EXMAR want to facilitate the use of LNG as ship fuel. Both partners plan to start with the actual construction of the LNG bunkership early 2014.

Mr. Eddy Bruyninckx, CEO of the port of Antwerp, states: “the Port Authority wishes to not only encourage but also to facilitate the use of LNG as ship fuel because of the associated environmental- and sustainable benefits. The Port Authority therefore wants to ensure that ships calling the port of Antwerp are able to bunker LNG as ship fuel as from 2015. By calling on the LNG expertise of EXMAR, LNG shall be offered as a ship fuel in a safe and efficient manner. The Port Authority’s ambition to position itself as a sustainable port is herewith put into action.”

Mr. Nicolas Saverys, CEO of EXMAR, adds: “EXMAR is very pleased to work together with the Port Authority on developing LNG bunkering in Antwerp. EXMAR considers LNG bunkering as a strategic target market for the coming years. Independent studies indicate that the LNG bunkering market has a worldwide potential of an additional tens of millions of tonnes of LNG per year by 2020. Given its unique LNG expertise in i.a. the transfer of LNG via flexible hoses, EXMAR is perfectly placed to position itself in this new LNG bunkering market and thus substantially contribute to the further reduction of ship emissions.”

About the port of Antwerp:
With a freight volume of 184 million tonnes (2012) Antwerp is the second argest port in Europe. It is a multifunctional port with facilities for handling bulk, conventional breakbulk and containers. But the port is more than just a transit centre. In addition to being loaded and unloaded here the goods are stored, repackaged, distributed and set on transport to their end destination. Finally there are numerous industrial companies based in the port, mainly producing chemicals. In fact Antwerp is the largest integrated cluster of chemical and petrochemical companies in Europe.
Antwerp Port Authority is an independent municipal port company headed by a board of directors and a management committee. The Port Authority has its own powers of decision and is able to enter into contracts and collaboration agreements with other companies and government bodies.

About EXMAR NV:
EXMAR, with its headquarters in Antwerp is a leading independent LNG and LPG Carrier Owner and Operator. In addition, it is a provider of industrial marine and energy logistical solutions for transport, regasification and liquefaction within the oil and gas industry.
Having over three decades of trading experience, EXMAR maintains a high leadership profile with the industry's largest players through continuous innovation. EXMAR continues to transition from pure shipping to a provider of a full value chain of infrastructure and integrated logistics to address the industry's need for environmentally friendly and competitively priced energy solutions.
EXMAR strives to create shareholder value over the long term by balancing long and short-term agreements to counteract volatility in the freight market, combined with providing services that are tailored to the needs of the customer. EXMAR endeavours to support sustainable growth by attaching the greatest importance to the quality of its fleet, the safety of personnel and equipment and the protection of the environment.