German shipowners want state aid for LNG vessels
The German shipowners' association along with several shipping organizations are now calling on Germany's federal government to promote LNG as fuel for newbuildings.
Germany's shipowners' association VDR, Verband Deutscher Reeder, and numerous industry organizations are now calling for the German federal government to introduce state aid for newbuildings that run on LNG fuel, according to a statement from VDR.
The association stresses that Germany occupies a strong position in LNG technology which could be further boosted by introducing an incentive scheme for newbuildings built to either exclusively or partially sail on LNG fuel. This would also help carriers reduce sulfur and particle emissions, add the organizations in the statement.
But it will take an incentive scheme to open the market for LNG-driven vessels, says VDR CEO Ralf Nagel.
"Without a comprehensive incentive scheme from the federal government for the construction and retrofitting of LNG-powered ships, it will not be possible to dismantle the barriers to market entry. Not a single LNG-powered ship has been commissioned without government subsidies throughout Europe to date. As a leading maritime nation, Germany ought to be taking on a pioneering role," he says.
Furthermore, the organizations also call for the government to review the rules relating to operations and safety on LNG vessels - for instance to allow vessels to tank LNG fuel while loading and unloading cargo. The organizations also note that LNG vessels, due to comprehensive safety measures, hold the lowest number of reported operating accidents.
The newbuilding price for ships that can sail on both regular bunker oil as well as LNG, duel-fuel drive, is often 25 percent higher than regular ships, due to factors including extra pipes and tanks - and it is this aspect that German carriers want help with to spur them to order new vessels.
An incentive scheme would also create new highly paid jobs in sectors working with LNG technology, both at the coasts but also in the country, when LNG as ship fuel takes off, argue the industry associations.Posted On:8-Sep-2015
Credits: shippingwatch.com |
Downing Street welcomes shipping leaders
Baltic Exchange Chief Executive Jeremy Penn was part of a delegation of Baltic Exchange members and other senior players in the maritime industry attending a meeting with Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin at No 10 Downing Street today (7 September 2015).
The meeting, part of London International Shipping Week, looked at areas in which the UK government could further facilitate the development of the UK maritime sector, ensuring that the UK retains its position as the leading nation for the provision of professional maritime services and a base for national and international shipowners.
Baltic Exchange Chief Executive Jeremy Penn said:
"I am really very pleased at the level of attention that our industry is gaining from the highest levels of government. A government that understands the needs of international business is vital to our continued success. Our delegation included some very senior shipping figures whose businesses support thousands of jobs in the UK and deliver vital overseas earnings to the British economy. We believe that the UK can build on its strengths as the world’s leading nation for maritime business and go from strength to strength."
The delegation was made up of:
Lord Mountevans, Chairman, Maritime London and Maritime UK
Jeremy Penn, CEO, The Baltic Exchange
Guy Platten, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World
David Dingle, Chairman, Carnival UK
Epaminondas Embiricos, Chairman, Embiricos Shipbrokers Ltd
Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President of Shipping, Shell International Trading and Shipping
Eyal Ofer, Chairman, Zodiac Maritime Agencies Ltd
Michael Parker, Chairman, CMA CGM (UK) Holdings Ltd
Dan Sten Olsson, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Stena Group
Nicolas Tsakos, President & CEO, Tsakos Group
Clemence Cheng, Hutchison Ports (CEO Felixstowe, MD Central Europe)
Robert Walvis, Chairman, Associated British Ports
Clive Richardson, CEO, V.Group
Roger Janson, Head of Ocean Transport, Cargill
Sabrina Chao, Chairman, Wah Kwong Shipping Holdings
Harald Thorstein, Director, Frontline Management AS
Gianluigi Aponte, Group Founder, Group Executive Chairman, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Sergey Frank, President and CEO, Sovcomflot (London) Ltd.
Li Maochung (Richard), Managing Director of China Merchants Investment Development Company Limited
Andi Case, Chief Executive Officer, Clarkson Platou
Harry Theochari, Partner – Head of Transport, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Gregory Darling, CE of Gardline and industry Chair for the Marine Industries Leadership Council
John Murray, CE of the Society for Marine Industries
Source: Baltic ExchangePosted On:8-Sep-2015
Credits: www.hellenicshippingnews.com |
