The 138,000-cbm LNG carrier Merchant has finally docked at the Enagas-operated Sagunto regasification terminal following a new protest by Greenpeace activists against fossil fuels.
On Tuesday, activists on board Greenpeace’s diesel-powered ship Esperanza and on inflatable boats blocked the entrance of the Sagunto Port in Spain, preventing the loaded LNG carrier to dock at the Enagas-operated regasification terminal.
“The peaceful protest comes as an extraordinary meeting of European energy ministers takes place in Luxembourg, where they are to discuss the impact of rising energy prices and possible solutions,” Greenpeace Europe said in a statement.
“Activists from 18 different countries blocking the port are carrying banners with the messages “Gas is sinking our future” and “No gas”, in protest of the EU’s over-reliance on fossil gas, which has led to rising energy prices,” it said.
According to Greenpeace Espana, the protest lasted about 12 hours before the Civil Guard boarded Esperanza and took control of the vessel. The captain of the ship and the vessel have been detained.
During the protest, activists also wrote “No + gas” on the hull of the LNG carrier, Greenpeace Espana said. Greenpeace activists did something similar on the LNG Croatia FSRU last week.
Prior to the arrival in Sagunto, the Merchant LNG carrier loaded a cargo at Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Texas, its AIS data shows.
According to VesselsValue, the LNG tanker owned by Sinokor serves a charter with US LNG player New Fortress Energy.
