---

Swedish infrastructure company Swedegas says it has received a 'highly encouraging' response from a survey recently carried out to assess the potential interest in developing an LNG bunkering infrastructure at the port of Gothenburg.

The results of the survey were said to provide 'important documentation' in the lead up to the establishment of an LNG terminal at the Swedish port. Around 20 major shipping, industrial and gas trading companies were said to have responded to the survey.

"The response was highly encouraging. The replies clearly show that LNG is a fuel of the future and that companies are prepared to invest in line with the introduction of LNG into the Swedish market," said Lars Gustafsson, president of Swedegas.

Swedegas and Dutch terminal operator Vopak are the two companies planning to invest in the Gothenburg LNG project. The port of Gothenburg is also supporting the LNG development plan and investing in the port area.

According to Swedegas, open access to the terminal could be offered to any company seeking to import LNG into Sweden. "The market will for the very first time be completely free to choose LNG supplier," Swedegas added.

"There is potential in Swedish industry to replace over 10 TWh of oil with natural gas. With an LNG terminal in Gothenburg, we could satisfy around half of the entire needs of industry. There are substantial environmental benefits in the form of almost complete elimination of sulphur emissions from shipping and a 25 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by industry," remarked Gustafsson.

In addition to bunkering ships, LNG could be easily transported from Gothenburg by rail and road to destinations throughout the country. LNG could also be transmitted from the terminal into the gas grid.