Design of LNG Networks

LNG will become a primary fuel for ships and trucks in the not too distant future. The European Union and national governments have outlined their policies, and many companies are preparing for the transitional period towards intensive use of LNG. There is an urgency for the creation of building blocks in the industry required for the development of business cases.
This project is developing building blocks, business cases, and methods for planning and control for logistics in LNG synchromodal transportation networks.

Activities / work packages
I. LNG supply chains and synchromodal transport networks: to identify markets and demand to serve, economic and sensitivity analyses, the definition of logistics requirements and options for synchromodal transportation.
II. Multi-modal inventory-routing problems: the creation of tools to facilitate efficient and effective supply of distribution points in the network through synchromodal operations.
III. Direct delivery multi-modal transportation problems: the creation of tools to facilitate efficient direct ship-to-ship refueling at sea.

Expected results:
The creation of approaches to the design of LNG synchromodal transportation networks and tools for planning transport and replenishment operations which will facilitate accessible and efficient use of this type of fuel for all modes of transport. Desired results for this study are market identification, demand forecasts, economic analyses and business cases. The knowledge gained based on LNG-specific aspects in logistics will contribute to the strengthening of the sector in the Netherlands and benefit Dutch companies at the frontier of the development of LNG networks throughout Europe.

Innovation:
The changes in European law are expected to increase the consumption of LNG as a fuel for ships, barges and trucks.
The infrastructure is patchy in the Netherlands as well as in neighboring countries. New methods and approaches are needed for creating the required infrastructure with high accessibility for all users as well as the efficient planning of replenishment and refueling operations. The project will define, study and resolve issues for this new class of multi-modal inventory routing and dynamic direct delivery routing.