Galveston LNG Bunker Port (GLBP), a significant joint-venture between Seapath Group and Pilot LNG, LLC, has now become a member of SEA-LNG, a move that bolsters its expertise in LNG supply infrastructure and expands its global network within the maritime industry.
This collaboration marks a milestone for GLBP, which was initially announced in September 2023. The venture aims to develop, build, and manage the US Gulf Coast’s inaugural dedicated facility for fueling LNG-powered vessels, with operations anticipated to commence by late 2026.
The forthcoming shore-based LNG liquefaction plant will be situated on Shoal Point in Texas City, strategically positioned within the bustling Houston-Galveston port complex. This location holds significance for LNG bunkering, serving cruise ships navigating US waters, facilitating international ship-to-ship LNG bunkering, and offering cool-down services. GLBP intends to provide cost-effective, comprehensive LNG supply solutions to meet the escalating demand for cleaner marine fuel in the USA and Gulf of Mexico regions.
Commenting on joining SEA-LNG and on the GLBP project, Jonathan Cook, Pilot CEO said: “With an initial investment of approximately $180 million, our LNG bunkering facility will supply a vital global and U.S. trade corridor with cleaner marine fuel. We recognise that SEA-LNG is a leading partner and a key piece of the LNG bunkering sector, and will give us access to insights and expertise across the entire LNG supply chain.
“LNG supports environmental goals and human health by offering ship operators immediate reductions in CO2 emissions and virtually eliminating harmful local emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.”
President of Seapath, Joshua Lubarsky states: “We are very pleased to be supporting the decarbonization of the maritime industry through strategic, and much needed, investments into the supply of alternative fuels. We are also happy to be a part of SEA-LNG which has done a wonderful job in advocating for advancements in technology in this vital sector.”
Chairman of SEA-LNG Peter Keller said: “We’re proud to welcome another leading LNG supplier to the coalition and are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship. With every investment in supply infrastructure in the US and worldwide, the LNG pathway’s head start increases. Global availability, alongside bio-LNG and e-LNG development, makes LNG the practical and realistic route to maritime decarbonisation.
“All alternative fuels exist on a pathway from grey, fossil-based fuels to green, bio or renewable fuels. Green fuels represent a scarce resource and many have scalability issues, so we must start our net-zero journey today with grey fuels. LNG is the only grey fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, well-to-wake, so you need less green fuel than alternatives to improve emissions performance,” Keller continued.
Moreover, LNG bunkering infrastructure holds the potential to deliver LNG, carbon-neutral bio-LNG, and future e-LNG to existing LNG-fueled vessels seamlessly, without necessitating modifications. This flexibility underscores LNG’s viability as a practical, incremental route towards achieving net-zero emissions in the shipping industry.
In summary, GLBP’s partnership with SEA-LNG signifies a significant step forward in advancing LNG bunkering infrastructure and promoting sustainable marine fuel solutions, ultimately contributing to the global effort to reduce emissions and foster environmental stewardship within the maritime sector.
Source SEA-LNG