Land earmarked for LNG storage facilities

New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) As part of the government's efforts to introduce LNG as barge fuel, the Haldia Dock Complex under Kolkata Port Trust has earmarked about 10 acres to set up LNG storage facilities, an official statement said on Monday.

The land in the vicinity of Haldia Oil Jetty No 1 will be allotted for a period of 30 years, it said.

"LNG facilities are expected to be developed within 24 months from date of allotment of land. This is an important development in context of the recent efforts of the Ministry of Shipping to reduce logistics cost and achieve the COP21 targets on cutting down pollution by introducing the use of LNG as fuel for barges," said the statement.

The usage of LNG is expected to save around 20 percent on fuel.

"Carbon dioxide emissions are likely to get reduced by 20-25 percent and nitrogen/sulphur oxide emissions by 90 per cent. The government is therefore taking measures to facilitate the movement of LNG and its storage at places situated along the inland waterways," said the statement.

According to the ministry, the efforts to introduce LNG as barge fuel is part of the overall efforts to promote transport on inland waterways and coastal shipping.

Inland Water Transport (IWT) is a cost effective and environment friendly system and a lot of importance is being accorded to it since the last two years. Work is already on for construction of terminals and other activities to facilitate navigation on river Ganga under the Jal Marg Vikas.

"Only a few advanced countries are using LNG powered barges at present. Therefore in that sense, the development at Haldia Dock Complex can be seen as a very positive one," said the statement.

According to the ministry, Goa and Maharashtra also have a tremendous potential for introduction of LNG barges on their waterways.