The renewed call for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) transhipment terminal in St. Maarten (see Thursday newspaper) is interesting. Puerto Rico-based Crowley says it could position the port as leader in the Caribbean for clean energy supply.
There are reportedly already 21 LNG-fuelled cruise ships and another 23 on order or under construction. That number is expected to grow as anti-pollution requirements in the global maritime industry get tougher.
The idea is to develop a utility-scale power plant as well. While it was recently pointed out that due to current world prices LNG may not be the most cost-effective option for local water and electricity provider GEBE, fluctuations on the international market occur constantly.
Of course, due to power outages and forced prolonged daily load-shedding, generators operating on diesel fuel had to urgently be rented and others are coming on a lease-to-purchase deal. That is completely understandable in a crisis and emergency situation.
Nevertheless, plans also exist to buy new bigger machines in the near future and this is where Crowley’s proposal could play a role. Aruba, for example, acquired units that can operate on both low-sulphur diesel fuel and LNG.
It’s also important to remember that a distribution point for LNG at the harbour and having GEBE switch to such are two different things. The first does not have to depend on the second.
In other words, if that kind of facility can significantly strengthen the island’s position in the region as cruise destination, it might be worth considering.
