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The Port of Rotterdam is introducing a new incentive to companies that bunker liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the Dutch port. A total of EUR 1.5 million has been reserved by Port of Rotterdam Authority for this incentive, which is to run up until 2020.

The new scheme offers a 10 percent discount on gross seaport dues to seagoing vessels that bunker LNG in Rotterdam. The initiative was announced by Allard Castelein, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, on December 15 during the second day of the 'LNG Masterplan Final Event'.

In addition, Port of Rotterdam Authority is also supporting the Environmental Ship Index and the Green Award by offering incentives to ships. In total, these measures mean that the port will be providing EUR 1.5 to 2 million per annum in incentives to encourage sustainable shipping.

"LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel. Encouraging the use of this fuel is in keeping with the Port Authority's aim to make Rotterdam's port the most sustainable in its class," Port of Rotterdam Authority said in a statement.

LNG Masterplan

The EU-supported LNG Masterplan Rhine-Main-Danube project is a series of studies and trials designed to assess the use of LNG as a shipping fuel in the European inland waterway sector.

The LNG Masterplan consists of a series of studies and pilot deployments for LNG as fuel for inland vessels, as well as cargo transported on waterways and distributed via inland ports along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. The objective has been to provide a platform for key public and private stakeholders to promote LNG uptake in the inland waterway sector and build the necessary regulatory framework for the safe transport and use of LNG as vessel fuel.

As part of the project, a series of inland waterway vessels have been retrofitted with LNG engines capable of substantially decreasing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions, the main pollutants from inland waterway transport, as well as improving local air quality alongside waterways and ports.

The Eiger-Nordwand was the first inland waterway vessel to be retrofitted with LNG engines as part of the LNG Masterplan project.

The LNG Masterplan Final Event, which has taken place this week from 14-16 December 2015, marks the end of the 3-year project. A total of 34 partners from 13 countries have worked together on the LNG Masterplan.

LNG suppliers in Rotterdam

Port of Rotterdam Authority said today that it intends to encourage LNG bunkering in Rotterdam and support companies such as supplier Shell and terminal operator Gate, which promote the use of LNG.

Shipping company Containerships has also stated that it will operate and bunker two LNG vessels in Rotterdam from 2017.

Earlier this month, South Korea's STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Company began construction of the LNG bunker vessel that Shell will operate in Rotterdam. The energy major is expected to begin operating the supply vessel in early 2017.