THE SECTOR

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is a mixture of hydrocarbons (mainly methane and ethane) containing also nitrogen and occasionally traces of other compounds (CO2, oxygen). It is a cryogenic liquid, namely a fluid with a boiling point at very low temperatures (for LNG the value is about -160 ° C). It is therefore not maintained liquid because of pressure (as for example LPG) but it is stored and transited in liquid shape at pressures slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure (rarely and for small LNG carrier, pressures can reach 3 -3.5 bar), with a reduction of its volume of about 600 times, and it maintains its cold state thanks to the liquid-vapour equilibrium established in the container / reservoir holding it. LNG can thus be stored and transited over long distances to consumer markets, where it is subsequently used in liquid or regasified form, if necessary.

LNG, similar to LPG, has a great versatility in the areas of use and a low environmental impact.

The use of LNG, as fuel of the future, has been recognized at national level with the SEN and at European level with the DAFI Directive, encouraging the use of liquefied natural gas for transit, both at port and for road.

In order to comply with European legislation and make mobility in Italy sustainable, ASSOCOSTIERI undertakes to represent, accredit and support LNG storage, distribution and regasification sectors.