DNV GL: no technical barriers for implementing LNG as marine fuel in Europe

DNV GL provided a report for the EU with recommendations on how to address barriers to wider adoption of LNG as fuel for shipping. 

The classification society noted in its statement on Wednesday that use of LNG as fuel for shipping, a possible solution to reducing emissions, is still at an early stage in Europe.

The recommendations could be used as guidelines to all EU member states that have to submit national policy frameworks for the implementation of the EU alternative fuels Directive by November 2016, DNV GL said.

Gaps in the legislative or regulatory framework and lack of harmonized standards are considered two key barriers to take-up of LNG as ship fuel.

The report “provides an overview of currently applicable standards, rules and regulations governing the maritime LNG supply chain, a gap analysis identifying the gaps in the current regulatory framework in order to make LNG bunkering and LNG fuelled vessels feasible in the EU, a set of recommendations addressing the gaps identified, and an impact assessment of the prioritized recommendations and actions,” DNV GL said.

Martin Layfield, global segment leader of the Gas Value Chain, DNV GL – Oil & Gas said that the assessment shows that there are no remaining “major showstoppers” for the use of LNG as fuel for seagoing or inland waterway vessels, or for the deployment of LNG bunkering facilities.

“Natural gas has a key role to play in the future energy mix and Europe will continue to be a significant import hub for LNG,” says Liv Hovem, regional manager, Continental Europe, North and East Africa for DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

DNV GL has already published Recommended Practice for Development and Operation of LNG Bunkering Facilities and expressed its readiness to work with the governments and port authorities to adopt the guidance into the legislation.