Patra: the last port of call for Poseidon Med II
Patras Port Authority had the honour of organising the last dissemination event of Poseidon Med II, just one week prior to its conclusion. The satellite port to the EU co-funded programme, gathered key stakeholders and interested parties to informed them about milestones of the Action and raise their final feedback with main Activity owners from Lloyd’s Register and Rogan Associates, who are also partners of Poseidon Med II.
Presentations focused on the basic features of LNG, the Presidential Decree on safe LNG Bunkering, the training competencies, port manuals and the port’s masterplan to accommodate LNG as a marine fuel.
Mr Panagiotis Tsonis, CEO of Patras Port Authority, gave a warm welcome at the virtual event by thanking all partners for the deliverables and studies performed that will offer the opportunity to the port of Patras to become part of the new green supply chain in the maritime transportation sector.
Mr Stavros Antypas, Director of Development and Project Manager on behalf of the Patras Port Authority commented that despite the obstacles that came along with the studies and the associated local consultation, he is proud to see that the Action is concluded leaving behind a complete and rigid file of approved studies and data that will enable the Port to engage in efficient and sustainable operations in the near future. He moved on by adding that the Authority will pursue funding opportunities inside and outside the Greek territory in order to proceed with the necessary infrastructure works.
After demonstrating the actual position for the LNG bunkering operations inside the port and explaining how it was chosen as the optimum solution, participants discussed on the scenario of coexistence of pipelines and bunker vessels for the supply of LNG. Ms Anna Apostolopoulou, EU Projects Leader & Offshore Manager for Greece, Cyprus & Israel, who served as Project Manager of the Action on behalf of Lloyd’s Register, clarified that bunkering will not ‘disturb’ any of the other simultaneous operations taking place inside the port. Practically what this means is that any incoming vessel will berth at the intended position and the LNG feeder vessel shall proceed with the bunkering in parallel to any loading/ offloading operations taking place.
The virtual meeting was concluded with a sense of satisfaction on the achievements of Poseidon Med II and an anticipation for all partners to collectively work together again on a similar innovative project.
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