LNG first for ArcelorMittal Belgium and North Sea Port demonstrates the potential of alternative fuels

The arrival of the Oceana Frontier at ArcelorMittal Belgium in Ghent marks a concrete step towards making the transport of raw materials by sea more sustainable. The vessel, which transports iron ore from Canada, is one of the first bulk carriers in ArcelorMittal’s fleet capable of running on LNG.

Making the logistics chain more sustainable

The energy and raw materials transition requires new solutions not only for industrial processes, but also for transport and logistics.

By using LNG instead of conventional marine fuels, CO₂ emissions from a voyage between Canada and Ghent can be reduced by around 23 per cent. In addition, emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SO₂) are also reduced. For this transatlantic route, this represents an estimated saving of around 500 tonnes of CO₂ per voyage.

LNG currently offers a concrete opportunity to reduce emissions in shipping. At the same time, the sector is preparing for the next step towards low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia. The arrival of the Oceana Frontier provides valuable practical experience in the safe reception and handling of LNG-powered vessels. This knowledge may also be relevant for future applications of other alternative fuels.
 

North Sea Port is preparing for multiple fuels

An independent risk assessment has confirmed that LNG, hydrogen, methanol and ammonia can be safely bunkered throughout the entire North Sea Port area. The assessment took into account nautical safety, infrastructure, surrounding activities and emergency procedures. This preparatory work forms an important basis for future applications of alternative fuels within the port and industrial cluster.
Further information on the risk analysis concerning the bunkering of alternative fuels at North Sea Port can be found in our previous article.
 

Relevance to the industrial cluster

This is relevant to the industrial cluster in the North Sea Port region because the port is preparing to use a range of alternative fuels. The infrastructure, safety procedures and operational expertise currently being developed for LNG can also contribute to future applications involving hydrogen, methanol and ammonia.

Press releases

North Sea Port
ArcelorMittal Belgium
 

Key data

•    First: the first LNG-powered bulk carrier to dock at ArcelorMittal Belgium in Ghent
•    Location: ArcelorMittal Belgium, Ghent (North Sea Port)
•    Vessel: Oceana Frontier
•    Cargo: iron ore from Canada
•    CO₂ reduction: approximately 23% compared with conventional marine fuels
•    Estimated savings: around 500 tonnes of CO₂ per voyage
•    Alternative fuels at North Sea Port: LNG, hydrogen, methanol and ammonia
•    Significance for the region: practical experience with alternative fuels and further sustainability improvements in industrial logistics chains