In Santiago, the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation examines energy and environmental improvement in maritime and fishing transport
At the seminar, organised in collaboration with the Regional Government of Galicia, various experts analysed the regulatory changes on energy and environmental issues taking place in the field of maritime transportation and fishing activity, and proposed a number of energy efficiency solutions.
There are currently 50 boats propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world, another 31 are in construction and it is estimated that another 500 will be in operation by 2020.
The Regional Government of Galicia presented the natural gas transformation project of the Galician fishing fleet, which aims to reduce expenditure on fuel for boats and reduce environmental contamination from fishing activity.
Earlier today in Santiago de Compostela, the Councillor for Economic Affairs and Industry of the Regional Government of Galicia, Francisco José Conde, the Chairman of Portos de Galicia, José Juan Durán, and the Managing Director of the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation, Martí Solà, opened the Energy and the environment in maritime transport and the fishing industry seminar where regulatory, energy and environmental changes coming from maritime transport and fishing activity were examined and energy efficiency solutions were proposed.
The seminar, which was attended by over 100 professionals and was closed by the Technical General Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Environments and the Sea of the Galician Regional Government, María Isabel Concheiro. She concluded that the use of natural gas is an efficient and viable alternative for reducing emissions in maritime transport and the fishing sector, as well as being economically sustainable.
The head of Mobility Solutions at GAS NATURAL FENOSA, José Ramón Freire, revealed the environmental and economic advantages of using natural gas and the opportunity that results from using it as maritime fuel in the sector and in Galicia because of its increased competitiveness. There are currently 50 boats propelled by LNG in the world, another 31 are in construction and it is estimated that another 500 will be in operation by 2020.
The deputy general manager of Technological Innovation in the Ministry of Rural Environments and the Sea of the Galician Regional Government, Beatriz Ferro, presented the natural gas transformation project of the Galician fishing fleet, which aims to reduce expenditure on fuel for boats, therefore benefiting the operating account of Galician fishing companies and maintaining employment in the sector. In particular, Beatriz Ferro explained that a combination of using natural gas and other energy efficiency measures in fishing activities could save fishing boats up to 60% in operational expenses.
This project will reduce environmental contamination from this activity and will improve the air quality in the surrounding areas. The Galician fishing fleet consists of over 4,500 boats which represents almost 10% of the European Union fishing capacity, and according to a 2012 study from the Energy Institute of Galicia (INEGA), it consumed around 135 million litres of fuel.
The principal consultant from DNV GL, Jan Tellkamp, explained the objectives of the new legislation promoted by the European Union and the International Maritime Organisation between 2015 and 2020, which expects improvements in energy and environmental management in maritime transport and in European ports to reduce emissions. The Environment Director of the Barcelona Port Authority, Jordi Vila, stated that application of and compliance with the this legislation will be a step forward in environmental protection while forcing both the shipping industry and port operations to adopt measures to reduce emissions.
Experience of improving energy efficiency
The general sales manager of Wärtsila Ibérica, Josu Goiogana, set forth the vision of engine and propulsion equipment manufacturers and explained different technological alternatives to overcome the challenges and comply with environmental legislation. The speaker stressed that the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative to traditional fuel also forms part of this ongoing challenge.
On the other hand, the director of Security and Health at Noatum Ports, Jorge Martín Díaz, presented several loading machinery projects that are run on natural gas and explained that the terminal operators are looking to optimise their processes and improve the sustainability of their operations. That is why the maritime terminals resemble industrial plants more every day and comprehensively handle prevention and environmental management and implement automation, monitoring and reengineering solutions.
The head of the Environment Division of the Vigo Port Authority, Carlos Botana, took a tour of the level of implementation of electricity (Cold-ironing) and natural gas supply to the boats in European ports. The speaker also presented the latest projects developed in the Vigo Port such as the Green Port Energy Center, the Tefles, the Green Atlántica MoS, and the Seporha, and explained the new strategic lines of saving and energy efficiency in this port for the 2020 horizon.
The Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation
The Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation, founded in 1992, targets its activity at the promotion of information, training and increased social awareness on improving energy efficiency and technological innovation in the field of energy while respecting and protecting the environment, and promotes cultural activities through the Gas Museum aimed at preserving and spreading knowledge about the historical and cultural heritage of the sector. Its international operations take place in Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Italy and Moldova.
Santiago de Compostela (Spain), 4 Mar 2015
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