In an effort to put liquefied natural gas-fueled ships into practical use, the Japanese transport ministry plans to draw up safety standards by March 2013, officials said, Jiji Press reports.
Potential demand for environmentally-friendly LNG-fueled ships is high, as environmental regulations for marine shipping are to be gradually tightened after a revised international treaty on the prevention of ocean pollution takes effect in January 2013.
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from LNG vessels are, respectively, 25 pct and 40 pct less than those from petroleum-fueled ships, while LNG vessels emit no sulfur oxides.
LNG ships also look more appealing as the price of LNG falls, thanks to improved mining technologies. "This will be the biggest shift in marine fuel since the shift from coal to oil," a transport ministry official said.
The ministry intends to promote Japanese LNG vessel standards through the International Maritime Organization.
Potential demand for environmentally-friendly LNG-fueled ships is high, as environmental regulations for marine shipping are to be gradually tightened after a revised international treaty on the prevention of ocean pollution takes effect in January 2013.
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from LNG vessels are, respectively, 25 pct and 40 pct less than those from petroleum-fueled ships, while LNG vessels emit no sulfur oxides.
LNG ships also look more appealing as the price of LNG falls, thanks to improved mining technologies. "This will be the biggest shift in marine fuel since the shift from coal to oil," a transport ministry official said.
The ministry intends to promote Japanese LNG vessel standards through the International Maritime Organization.