SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, strongly supports the decision of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to reaffirm the January 1, 2020 implementation date of the 0.50% sulphur fuel limit.
SEA\LNG also applauds the adoption of the amendment to MARPOL Annex VI for a carriage ban on non-compliant fuels for vessels without an approved equivalent arrangement to meet the sulphur limit – such as an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) on March 1, 2020.
SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller commented: “We believe both actions provide greater certainty to ship owners considering new build and retrofit investment options in compliant marine fuelling solutions such as LNG. This sends a strong message to the whole maritime industry, including fuel suppliers to be prepared to deliver compliant marine fuels.”
SEA\LNG also highlighted the central role of LNG, not only in complying with the 2020 global sulphur cap, but for its potential to help achieve the IMO’s target for a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 – a sentiment supported by major flag states and ship owner organisations at MEPC 73 – and total emissions by at least 50% by 2050.
LNG far outperforms conventional marine fuels in terms of minimising harmful air emissions 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). The importance of improving air quality from a public health standpoint is clear and LNG’s performance in this regard is unrivalled. Through the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, realistic reductions of GHG by 10-20% compared with conventional fuels can be achieved.
LNG provides the shipping industry with the opportunity for a safe and scalable fuel to meet global marine energy demands. Bulk supply infrastructure for LNG already exists along the main shipping lanes today and LNG bunkering capacity is growing rapidly with at least 23 bunker vessels expected to be in service by 2020.
About SEA\LNG
SEA\LNG brings together key players from across the supply chain, including shipping companies, classification societies, ports, major LNG suppliers, downstream companies, infrastructure providers and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to address market barriers and transform the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
SEA\LNG is a not for profit collaborative industry foundation serving the needs of its member organisations. SEA\LNG’s members include: ABS, Carnival Corporation & plc, Clean Marine Energy, DNV GL, Eagle LNG Partners, ÉNESTAS, Exeno Yamamizu, Fearnleys AS, GE, GTT, JAX LNG, Keppel Gas Technology, “K” LINE Group, Lloyd’s Register, MAN Energy Solutions, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Marubeni Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Naturgy, Novatek Gas & Power, NYK Line, Petronet LNG, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell, Skangas, Société Générale, Sumitomo Corporation, Total, TOTE Inc., Toyota Tsusho, Uyeno Group of Companies, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Wärtsilä, and Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP).