Virginia 1st US Port to Become Part of SEALNG

The Port of Virginia has become the first port in the United States to join SEALNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel.

“The addition of the Port of Virginia to the coalition marks the climbing interest in LNG as a commercially viable, environmentally sustainable fuel for U.S. domestic and international shipping,” Peter Keller, Chairman, SEALNG, said.

“The U.S. has vastly increased its LNG export capacity since the industry really took flight in early 2016, inspiring development in LNG bunkering capabilities on the East and West Coasts.”

The Port of Virginia, an international hub port with connections to over 45 countries worldwide, is currently undertaking a USD 700 million expansion project to increase overall container capacity by 40%, as well as increasing lifting and docking capabilities across its six terminals.

In March 2019, the port also established a working group to examine the benefit and scalability of LNG bunkers for maritime trade.

“Our industry is evolving and the issues of alternative marine fuels and ports reducing their carbon footprints are growing in their importance. LNG bunkering would represent a complimentary capability to our land and waterside assets and investments,” John F. Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, said.

The Port of Virginia is the second North American port alongside the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and the fifth global port alongside the Port of Rotterdam, the Maritime and Port Authority of (MPA) Singapore, and Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Authority (YKIP), to join the coalition’s growing roster of 36 members.