KR to lead Asia Pacific gas-fuelled ships project

APEC has awarded a contract to KR to further the understanding of the current state and future potential for LNG fuelled vessels to serve the region’s maritime trade requirements. Work will include a programme to share knowledge and best practice across the APEC region with the aim of promoting new technology.

APEC has previously confirmed its commitment to “an action agenda to move APEC towards an energy efficient, sustainable, low carbon transport future”. LNG fuelled shipping is believed to be one of the optimum potential solutions to help achieve this aim.

KR will lead the project, supported by Japanese and Canadian representatives within APEC’s Maritime Expert Group and Transport Working Group, to undertake a research programme focusing on the current application of LNG technologies, associated safety aspects, seaborne trade statistics and best practice. Results will be shared with APEC member economies to help narrow the technology gap between countries. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Dr. Kim Chang-Wook, KR executive vice president, said: “We are proud to be internationally recognized as a technical consultancy qualified to deliver high quality research and expertise on LNG fuelled ships to the APEC community. I am confident that this project will raise our collective knowledge on the potential for LNG fuelled vessels and help create a practical environment for the application of this innovative technology for eco-friendly transport solutions.”