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Hamburg Port Authority and the Linde Group have agreed to advance the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the port of Hamburg.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by both parties in Hamburg with the aim being to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study to assess if the use of LNG at the German port is economically viable. The first results of the study are expected by mid 2012.

The two organisations are seeking to promote LNG as an alternative fuel for ships and other applications, such as trucks. On the basis of the findings of the study, concrete infrastructure projects such as, for example, the construction of an LNG terminal in the port of Hamburg, can then be initiated.

"Sustainability has become a crucial factor in any industry sector. Linde has not only recognised these signs, but the company is also prepared to assume responsibility. Hamburg will certainly benefit from such expertise in the long term," said Hamburg’s minister for economic and labour affairs, Frank Horch.

Jens Meier, chairman of Hamburg Port Authority's management board, commented: "We want to encourage the port industry and technology enterprises in the port of Hamburg to co-operate more closely. Our aim is to develop sustainable long-term solutions that take account of the economic framework conditions and place more emphasis on green technologies at the same time."

Dr Andreas Opfermann, Head of Clean Energy and Innovation Management at The Linde Group, added, "Emissions from burning natural gas are substantially lower than those caused by diesel or heavy-fuel oils. In view of the stricter environmental standards, there is a continuously rising demand for LNG solutions in the transport industry."

Linde has several years of experience when it comes to LNG as a fuel. As early as 1999 Cryo AB, a subsidiary of Linde, supplied the world’s first LNG-powered ferry, including the necessary storage systems.

Up until today, Cryo AB has equipped almost 40 ships in Scandinavia. The LNG supply is sourced through LNG production plants and terminals operated by Linde.