Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Tallinn takes first step toward facilitating LNG bunkering

Tallinn takes first step toward facilitating LNG bunkering
The Port of Tallinn's supervisory board has approved the construction of an LNG bunkering terminal at Muuga Harbour which is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2017.

In the initial phase the terminal will not serve cruise ships, which call at Old City Harbour—not Muuga—however Tallinn is taking this first step to be ready to supply different types of LNG vessels in all harbours in the future, according to Ingrid Berezin, business manager, Cruise and Ferry, Port of Tallinn.

A contract for constructing a small-scale LNG receiving and distributing terminal in the eastern part of Muuga Harbour is expected to be signed with Vopak EOS.

The exact schedule for the construction depends on the cooperation of the local government, Joelahtme municipality, which is hearing the project matter, Remo Holsmer, chairman, supervisory board, Port of Tallinn, said in the latest Cruise Europe newsletter.

Holsmer noted Muuga Harbour, which is navigable year-round, is the most suitable location for the LNG terminal in Estonia. 'The construction of the LNG terminal improves significantly Estonia’s position in the Baltic Sea region as only few harbours in the region offer possibilities for bunkering LNG,' he added.

In the first phase it is planned to build the LNG terminal with a maximum capacity of 4,000 cubic metres. The terminal itself will cover an area of about 8,500 square metres.