The LNG sector has the ability to meet the future emissions requirements of the global shipping industry, LNG bunkering group SEA/LNG said Tuesday.
"Independent of the timing of the International Maritime Organization's implementation of the 0.5% global sulfur cap, today LNG is already a clean, safe, practical and economically viable fuel for the shipping industry," said SEA/LNG's chairman Petter Keller.
The IMO's 70th Marine Environment Committee is meeting October 24-28 to decide whether to implement a global sulfur cap of 0.5% in marine fuel in 2020 or 2025.
LNG as bunker fuel complies with the existing and scheduled MARPOL Annex VI emission requirements.
SEA/LNG, a cross-industry coalition, believes that LNG will be the fuel of choice for vessels operating in global trade lanes, including emission control areas, where LNG is said to be gaining a foothold.
"The industry is making big steps in creating the infrastructure to enable quick, safe and cost effective LNG bunkering in key global ports; diminishing the price premium for LNG-fueled vessels; as well as working with regulators to establish consistent international and national regulations, which we believe will enhance investment in this sector," Keller added.
There are 86 LNG-fueled ships in operation globally, excluding LNG carriers, and a further 95 on order, according to SEA/LNG.
In the last 50 years, global LNG shipments covered more than 100 million miles without any major safety incidents in port or at sea, SEA/LNG said.
It added that LNG is widely available with 20 exporters and 35 importers of LNG across regions worldwide.
SEA/LNG was created to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. The group members are from across the LNG marine value chain, including LNG suppliers, shipping lines, classification societies, equipment manufacturers and port authorities.
