The LNG supply chain is not evenly covered by existing regulations in the U.S., according to a recent study issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The study examines the options for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering and the necessary infrastructure, safety, regulatory, and training factors of each in supplying LNG to ships as a propulsion fuel in the maritime sector.
DNV GL has identified significant gaps in operations pertaining to: lightering on-water, bunkering on-water, LNG transfers off or adjacent to water, and LNG tanks that are on, off, or adjacent to waters. Most of these gaps exist because there are jurisdictional issues among federal agencies, details in existing regulations that need clarification, and ambiguity in state and local laws.
Without creating a consistent platform, regulations can vary in how stringent lightering, bunkering, and LNG transfer regulations are.
Nine areas have been identified that lack regulatory coverage, four of which would be filled should the draft U.S. Coast Guard Policy Letters be adopted and implemented.
These are:
The study also examines the pros and cons of four bunkering options (truck-to-ship transfer, shore facility-to-ship transfer, ship-to-ship transfer, and transfer of portable tanks) based on factors such as the number and type of vessels to be served, local availability of LNG, port size, congestion and level of activity.
In addition, the study makes recommendations to regulators, port operators, vessel operators and LNG infrastructure owners on ways to address the challenges associated with widespread use of LNG as a marine propulsion fuel and provides information to help them decide which method may be most appropriate for their needs.
Full study is available here.