Greek state-run DEPA has made a step towards LNG bunkering in the country with plans to build a 3000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel to serve the port of Piraeus and other Greek ports.
Through the project, funded by the European Union, DEPA aims to boost the use of LNG as a marine fuel in the country.
The vessel, according to DEPA will be the first such vessel in Greece as well as Eastern Mediterranean.
The use of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel, especially in coastal vessels is seen as the preferred solution to meet the IMO regulations, coming into force on January 1, 2020.
The LNG bunkering vessel is part of the EU co-funded Poseidon Med II project as well as the new project BlueHUBS being pursued jointly by Greece and Cyprus.
Poseidon Med II project aiming to develop an LNG supply network for the marine and transport industries with a total budget of €66 million, 30 percent of which is covered by the EU. The project is set to be implemented from 2019 through to 2022.