PRESS RELEASE
Elefsina Port Authority (OLE SA) and the National Gas System Operator (DESFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development, expansion, and promotion of the availability of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), as an environmentally friendly fuel, for the benefit of Greece’s citizens, but also of the wider geographical area.
Initially, the Memorandum of Understanding, before being signed, was brought to the attention of the Secretary General of Ports and Maritime Investments of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, and was accepted due to its developmental nature and to the fact that there will be benefits to the local community. Then, the Board of Directors of O.L.E. SA unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding.
The cooperation of the two parties upgrades the Port of Elefsina, which now becomes an important energy hub for the development of the supply chain with LNG Truck Loading – as LNG can be transported by trucks to non-interconnected facilities throughout the territory – with its port facilities being foreseen to serve the transport of LNG to and from the island of Revythousa, where the Terminal LNG Station of DESFA is located.
The Memorandum of Understanding includes:
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The sites of use of three port facilities (Kronos Elefsina, Perama Megaridos, and Almyra Megaron) for the maritime transport of LNG tanker trucks by ferries to and from the nearby island of Revythousa after the completion of all necessary traffic and environmental studies, as well as safety studies, that will be completed with the care and funding of DESFA.
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The loading station will enable the use of natural gas for consumers in areas where the NNGTS has not been developed and will facilitate its use as a fuel in maritime (ships with LNG fuel).
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Finally, DESFA undertakes with its own resources the expansion of the building of O.L.E. at the entrance of the central Port of Elefsina, in order to cover the increased needs of the Organization for the housing of all its services, while it will immediately hold events to inform the residents of the area about the circulation and benefits of natural gas, the use of which aims to gradually reduce air emissions.
The LNG truck loading station ensures the security of supply and offers an economical and flexible solution for larger and smaller industries, agricultural facilities, and household consumers in areas far from the natural gas network, enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and also allows the use of natural gas as a fuel for maritime. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding reflects the ambition of O.L.E. SA to transform the Port of Elefsina into a “green” port with absolute respect for the development and protection of the environment and to contribute to the promotion and utilization of energy and environmental policy actions aimed at eliminating air pollutants and reducing carbon dioxide through the use of LNG, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant national and European regulations.
About the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) S.A.
The Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) S.A. is responsible for the operation, management, utilization, and development of the Hellenic National Natural Gas System. Possessing extensive experience and having a highly skilled staff, DESFA is a reliable partner in the framework of the ongoing international energy projects in Southeastern Europe. DESFA shareholders are 34% the Greek State and 66% Senfluga S.A (formed by Snam, Enagás, Fluxys and Damco).
For additional information concerning DESFA you can visit the following website: www.desfa.gr
For more information please contact:
Natasha Chatziantoniou, DESFA, tel. 213 088 4058, email: a.chatziantoniou@desfa.gr
Sofia Kourenti, Pitch PR, tel: 216 800 1595, email: skourenti@pitchpr.gr