Clean alternative to heavy fuel

Topics covered included the LNG supply chain development from a ship owner’s and gas terminal operator’s view, regulatory developments at IMO, a joint industry project on a gas-fuelled container feeder ship, first results of the research project GasPax, and gas bunkering.

Torsten Schramm, COO of GL’s maritime services, raised the question, how the maritime industry could reduce its environmental impact while remaining competitive, or even better, how it could save costs. “In the end, emissions boil down to the quality of fuel. We all know that heavy fuel oil has its merits cost wise but contributes to a rather negative image of shipping.”

Dr Pierre C Sames, GL’s senior vice president strategic research and development, mentioned that there appears to be general consensus on developing gas engines that can be used on vessels operating regular or shorter routes. Coastal shipping, which accounts for more than 33% of the world’s fleet, will be subject to more stringent controls than liner container vessels. “LNG fuel is a viable alternative to heavy fuel oil,” he said. The environmental benefits of LNG as a fuel are well documented, with zero sulphur-oxide emissions and much lower CO₂ as well as significantly reduced NOx and particle emissions compared to standard marine fuels. “Coastal traffic can benefit from LNG fuel, especially as regional emission control areas are tightened or coming into force.”

Gas as ship fuel is topical, given current discussions by IMO’s sub-committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG) on new safety standards in the use of natural gas as a marine fuel. Interim guidelines by IMO are expected to be made available in June 2010 and the IGF-Code is planned to enter into force with the SOLAS 2014 revision. GL is publishing its own guideline on using gas as a fuel to complement IMO interim guidelines.