Construction started on liquefied biogas facility at the Port of Gothenburg

Construction has officially commenced on a new liquefied biogas (LBG) facility at the Port of Gothenburg, a major infrastructure milestone spearheaded by Nordion Energi. This strategic development aims to bolster the availability of sustainable marine fuels for the shipping industry, facilitating the transition toward decarbonization. By connecting local biogas producers to the maritime grid, the plant supports the growing fleet of dual-fuel vessels operating in the Baltic and North Sea regions, marking a significant step in Nordic green logistics.

The adoption of liquefied biogas aligns with the stringent requirements of MARPOL Annex VI, which mandates significant reductions in sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions. Furthermore, the handling and bunkering of LBG must strictly adhere to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) under SOLAS Chapter II-1. Compliance departments must ensure that onboard safety management systems are updated to reflect these fuel characteristics, as classification societies like DNV or Lloyd’s Register enforce rigorous risk assessments for bunkering operations.

Chief engineers and second engineers must prioritize specialized training regarding the thermodynamic properties and handling protocols of liquefied biogas. As these vessels transition to renewable fuels, engine room teams need to master the specific bunkering procedures and gas detection systems required by the IGF Code. Understanding the fuel’s energy density and storage requirements is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring full regulatory compliance during port calls at facilities like Gothenburg.