Algeria is planning to commence the development of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as marine fuel for ships.
The project is based on the possible opportunities for development of the LNG sector and was examined during an international seminar on Development of the LNG as marine fuels held in Algiers by the company involved in marketing of petroleum and derivatives (NAFTAL).
Ahmed Messili, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy said it is an emerging technology being recently used by some countries, and for which growth prospects are promising. He noted that Algeria was a big LNG producer.
Messili added that development of LNG as marine may enable Algeria to become an important player in this field.
Samir Houghlaouen, an official at NAFTAL observed that marine LNG’s future remains promising since its use in global maritime transport was growing, despite the fact that its expansion was limited by current conditions.
According to him, clean fuels would increasingly be used as stricter rules to protect maritime areas have been agreed upon internationally.
Algeria’s Sonatrach, a state-owned hydrocarbon corporation recently signed a $635 million contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of twin liquefied natural gas tankers with a capacity of 171,800m³ each.
