Greece Uses Ship-To-Ship Lng Transfer to Fuel Its First Vessel
The first-ever ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Greek waters has been successfully completed with the help of GAC Greece’s shipping and project logistics team. An Hoegh Norway tanker, the Arctic Princess, transferred 140,000 m³ of LNG to GasLog Athens, a Floating Storage Unit. The fully-loaded FSU is now ready to top up Greece’s winter energy needs by fueling the Mediterranean country’s Revithoussa LNG Terminal, which is owned by Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator DESFA.
When GasLog was looking for a partner to help with their historic voyage, they found the perfect company in GAC Greece. We supported them by acting as the official husbandry agent and also running logistics operations including importing six special fenders from China and the UK.
Installing the new FSU was an exceptional effort, taking place in record time between DESFA and the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy, as well as the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy. The Regulatory Authority for Energy provided support through close coordination of all parties.
After collaborative efforts, the start-up of FSU’s operations in Revithoussa is a result of exemplary cooperation between everybody involved. There was an increased pressure due to time constraints and DESFA took on this challenge with high technical expertise. “We are pleased that through our high knowledge and network, we are contributing significantly to providing natural gas supply for the coming winter while, at the same time, we are strengthening the strategic role that the LNG Terminal of Revithoussa has in the wider region of Southeast Europe.”
GAC Greece’s Shipping Operations Manager, George P. Fragos, said, “It was a major milestone for GAC to be involved in the first-ever LNG STS transfer in Greek waters.” Everything went smoothly and he can’t wait to support similar operations with his blend of shipping and logistics services in the future
“Arrangements for the fenders were meticulously planned and executed in strict compliance with all safety and security measures,” says Socrates Zorbas, GAC Greece’s Project Logistics Manager.
One of the steps being taken by Greece to improve energy security is the addition of FSU GasLog Athens into Pachi. This is only one of a number of new measures in place, which includes encouraging Greek residents to minimize their usage during peak hours and using local subsidies.