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Shipping company Aktien-Gesellschaft EMS (AG EMS) and Bomin Linde LNG GmbH & Co. KG have signed the first contract for the delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Germany. The deal covers the supply of environmentally friendly LNG to the MS Ostfriesland passenger ferry operated by AG EMS, starting in mid-2014, after the vessel's retrofit.

Commenting on the agreement, AG EMS Managing Director, Dr. Bernhard Brons, said: "With Bomin Linde LNG we are happy to be bringing a leading supplier of liquefied natural gas on board. This makes us the first users of LNG for German passenger ferry services."

"This is an important step towards using LNG as a marine fuel in Germany. I'm glad that AG EMS and Bomin Linde LNG are on this path together," said Mahinde Abeynaike, Bomin Linde LNG Managing Director.

Ruben Benders, also Managing Director of Bomin Linde LNG, remarked: "Supplying their ferries with LNG makes AG EMS a pioneer in Germany and sends a clear signal that this low-emission propulsion system has arrived here, too."

"The technical process is comparable to bunkering operations for traditional fuels. However, since the liquefied natural gas is cooled down to approximately -163 °C, appropriate personnel training is required," explained Claus Hirsch, AG EMS technical inspector.

"A significant factor for cooperating with Bomin Linde LNG as a supplier is the construction of two LNG bunker terminals in the ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven commencing operations in 2015. This coincides well with our projects for Emden and Cuxhaven. Deliveries to the port of Emden will initially come from abroad and at a later stage from a facility in a German port," commented Dr. Brons.

Bomin Linde LNG is currently completing the final preparations in planning the construction of the LNG bunker terminals in Hamburg and Bremerhaven. The aim is to create a reliable supply of LNG to neighbouring ports via the development of these hubs. "We are fully on track with the projects and will be able to provide ships in all German ports along the North and Baltic Sea with LNG as a clean fuel," said Abeynaike.

Located in Hamburg, Germany, Bomin Linde LNG is a leading provider of liquefied natural gas as fuel for the marine market. As a joint venture of Linde AG and Bomin Deutschland GmbH & Co., which is a subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls AG, Bomin Linde LNG has a broad range of expertise in refrigeration engineering, logistics and refuelling technology.

According to Bomin Linde LNG, its strategy is to cover the complete LNG value chain – from sourcing and transport through storage and distribution to bunkering ships with LNG at strategically important ports.

Aktien-Gesellschaft EMS (AG EMS) dates back to 1843 and operates the shipping line service from Emden and Eemshaven to the North Sea island of Borkum. Passengers, vehicles and freight are transported on modern car ferries, passenger ships and a high-tech catamaran.

Through its subsidiaries, the group offers a wide variety of tourist and maritime services, ranging from seasonal to year-round scheduled services supplying the islands by bus, train, ships, planes and helicopters. The company also owns two hotels and restaurants. The AG EMS group employs around 400 people.