ABS partnered with industry stakeholders Wärtsilä, Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD), GTT, Shell & Gard to host a joint conference exploring the technical and operational challenges of LNG as a marine fuel, ABS said in its press release.
“LNG as a fuel is already transforming the shipping industry and will continue to expand further as shipowners and operators look to comply with the latest environmental requirements,” said ABS Global Ship Systems Center Director, Elias Kariambas. “The attendees heard directly from our event partners on the development of new LNG-fueled projects and related technologies. Forums like this help drive industry dialogue and provide a vital platform to share experiences and discuss evolving technology.”
“Given the environmental superiority and commercial attractiveness of LNG as a fuel, it is with no doubt that LNG will capture the merchant marine business,” said X-DF Engines at WinGD Senior Project Manager, Marcel Ott.
GTT LNG as Fuel Vice President, Julien Bec said: “We are committed to develop reliable and cleaner solutions that answer the owners’ requirements. This seminar was the occasion to exchange with the industry, to build the shipping of tomorrow together.”
Arista Shipping Technical Manager, Antonis Trakakis said: “LNG as fuel has the most extensive service record among all other options for compliance, and, apart from meeting all environmental regulations, it clearly brings a substantial cost benefit which justifies the investment.”
Shipowners and shipping managers were among 200 international delegates attending at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre on March 15. The seminar presenters discussed the latest thinking on a range of key LNG issues, including technology for dual fueled ships, the regulatory framework and first hand operational experience of LNG-fueled vessels.
Arista Shipping and WinGD presented insights before Sovcomflot, Carnival, Shell, Wärtsilä and Arista joined ABS at the Athens event in a round table on the prospects for LNG as a fuel for vessels.
The forum included an update on Project Forward, the Joint Development Project to combat global ship emissions promoting adoption of LNG as a marine fuel with a fully LNG-powered deep sea dry bulk carrier.
About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design, construction and operation. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.