Italy publishes guidelines on LNG bunkering in ports

Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport recently published a new set of guidelines that cover ship-to-ship bunkering of LNG and bio-LNG in the country's ports.

The guidelines, which seek to introduce a standardised LNG bunkering protocol, would make Italy one of the first countries in Europe to adopt a national framework for LNG bunkering.

Under the guidelines, existing regulations will be integrated with new ones with the aim of enhancing safety in Italian ports as LNG bunkering operations are being undertaken.

New procedures covering safety and reducing environmental impact will be crafted and new sets of technical requirements will be outlined.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport expects the guidelines would streamline LNG bunkering operations and position Italy as an LNG bunkering hub for ships operating in the Mediterranean.

The guidelines were crafted in collaboration with the Italian Coast Guard, the Vigili del Fuoco national fire brigade, and representatives of local industry associations.