The 2016 Poseidon Med II Conference concluded on 8 December in Piraeus Municipal Theatre, highlighting mature technology and synergy building as stepping-stones towards LNG as fuel era.

The conference, attracting more than 180 attendees, gathered together delegates from international organisations, governmental bodies, and representatives from the marine and energy industry to discuss the latest developments of LNG bunkering operations in Mediterranean area.

The Conference opening was signified with the announcement of the MoU among Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) and Attica Group who joined forces to examine the use of LNG in the Attica Group fleet, fostering the next step towards the LNG bunkering operations in Mediterranean region.

During the welcome addresses, the Mayor of Piraeus Mr Ioannis Moralis and representatives from the Ministry of Shipping and Energy, among others, endorsed the efforts of Poseidon Med II initiative, highlighting as key envisaged benefits, the protection of the environment and the sustainability of shipping sector.

Safety and societal aspects along with global environmental regulations were set in the microscope of the first panel discussion between delegates from international organisations, local authority representatives and executives from the shipping and energy industry. The costs of vessels conversion to LNG fuelled and the limited LNG bunkering infrastructure in Mediterranean and globally, were underlined as key challenges and contentious areas towards the selection of LNG solution, by shipping companies’ executives, participating in the second panel discussion. Representatives from the European Commission and European Investment Bank presented available EU funding tools and mechanisms promoting investments on LNG infrastructure development. The panel also highlighted interesting running projects on developing designs for LNG retrofits and new buildings by greek shipping companies.

In the final session, delegates from marine equipment manufacturers presented innovative technologies for the adoption of LNG in ships and ports. Specific emphasis was given to high safety standards and risk assessment methodologies as well as to the current works for upgrading the LNG Terminal in Revithoussa, which will support and expedite the establishment of an efficient and safe LNG supply chain.