Technology and plant sizing for the primary LNG distribution network in the ports of the cross-border area
The diffusion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in ports requires the implementation of infrastructure that privileges corridors and the establishment of a reliable, safe and integrated distribution network. The realisation of this infrastructure implies strategic decisions about the location of the LNG bunkering, storage and supply plants and their systemic sizing. The project identifies technological-productive solutions for LNG distribution and bunkering in the ports of the cross-border area based on shared operating standards and procedures. The project identifies the possible location of the plants and storages of the primary distribution network, while verifying potential external factors and economic-financial sustainability. The project outcomes consist of reports setting technological standards and common procedures for LNG bunkering and an integrated action plan for the benefit of ports. The beneficiaries will be the Port Authorities and local public bodies interested in the construction of LNG refuelling plants. The project's strategic nature is due to its interregional value, the North Mediterranean location of the IT-FR transboundary maritime space and the effects of developing integrated skills to build a common infrastructure. The density of maritime services with origin/destination in the area and the need to have systems with similar technological characteristics impose the cross-border approach. The innovation of the project derives from an interdisciplinary approach which combines technical-engineering, economic and legal dimensions and from the use of shared logics to avoid duplicating investment and the risk of non-interoperability between different plants.