Thailand Plans LNG Bunkering

Thailand’s transport ministry is planning to set up LNG stations along the eastern seaboard to promote clean energy in the maritime transport sector, Pailin Chuchottaworn, deputy transport minister said September 29, Bangkok Post reported the next day.

"We would like to take the opportunity to develop the two seaports in Chon Buri and Rayong provinces to be in line with international practices, especially turning them into LNG stations to fuel vessels," he said.

Pailin said the local maritime transport sector should be ready for the IMO's ban and must become more environmentally friendly. Under new International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules that take effect January 1, 2020, sulphur content in bunker fuels will be limited to 0.5%, down from the current limit of 3.5%. This applies outside the designated emission control areas where the limit is already 0.1%.

"LNG is the energy of the future with zero sulphur-dioxide emissions and a comparatively low price," Pailin said during an industry event.

In December last year, Japanese Marubeni Corporation and Thai PTT commenced a joint feasibility study to implement LNG bunkering at Laem Chabang Port, the largest industrial port in Thailand. This joint study will verify the feasibility of an LNG bunkering project that utilises a fuel supply ship that is compatible with an existing PTT managed LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut.