Evaluation of bunkering services attractiveness at Klaipeda seaport after establishment of LNG terminal

Abstract

Authors are investigating the bunkering market in Klaipeda State Seaport from technological attractiveness viewpoint. The environmental regulations at the Baltic and North seas increasing the demand of low sulphur or alternative ecological fuel. From that viewpoint the importance of LNG fuel as alternative type of ship’s fuel can be analysed. The main idea of this research is to assess changes of bunkering services’ attractiveness influenced by LNG terminal establishment at Klaipeda seaport. The research results show that most important bunkering services’ attractiveness’ factors are accessibility of low sulphur fuel, enough efficiency of bunkering equipment and efficiency of port activities, as additional positive factors the geographical location of seaport and establishment of LNG terminal and container distribution centre, but most negative factors for increasing of attractiveness of bunkering services are low competitiveness of bunkering services’ providers.