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The ports of Rotterdam and Gothenburg have formed a strategic alliance that is targeted towards increasing the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.

The aim of the agreement is for both ports to have an LNG bunkering infrastructure in place once the new low sulphur regulations for Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) are introduced in 2015.

"We see LNG as an important opportunity for the maritime industry to comply with the sulphur directive in 2015. The use of LNG as a fuel fits in our policy to become the most sustainable port. We consider the Port of Gothenburg as a strong partner in the Scandinavian market for this issue," said Ronald Paul, COO, Rotterdam Port Authority.

"We are extremely pleased that the largest port in Europe has joined forces with us in this important issue. Working together, we will have a very strong offering to the market," remarked Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg Chief Executive.

Commenting on the advantages of using LNG, the Port of Gothenburg said: "LNG offers substantial environmental benefits. Sulphur and particle emissions would be reduced to almost zero, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85-90 percent and net greenhouse gases by 15-20 percent.

"To achieve the LNG target at both ports by 2015, rapid development is required in a number of areas. The necessary infrastructure at the ports needs to be constructed and rules will need to be drafted for handling LNG. It is also vital that the two ports promote awareness of LNG as a maritime fuel," the Port of Gothenburg added.