The uptake of LNG as a marine fuel could play a significant role in the decarbonisation of the shipping sector, according to the multi-sector industry coalition SEALNG.
LNG would also enable the industry to comply with short-term regulatory demands of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 global sulphur cap.
SEALNG believes that LNG offers a commercially viable bridging solution to a zero-emissions shipping industry, with immediate local and GHG emissions benefits.
LNG-fuelled vessels and bunkering infrastructure can easily switch from fossil-fuel LNG to renewable, or zero-emissions LNG, meaning that investment in LNG-fuelled ships and bunkering infrastructure today does not lock the shipping industry into a high GHG emissions trajectory.
“It far outperforms conventional marine fuels in terms of minimising local emissions to improve air quality and can significantly reduce GHG emissions.”
LNG emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG emits 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx), and through the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, realistic reductions of GHG by 10-20% with a potential for up to 25% compared with conventional oil-based fuels can be expected.