Americas News
Vancouver Positioned to be North America's Preferred LNG Bunkering Destination
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) bunkers can be a benefit to Canada's West Coast, and the LNG bunker business can serve as an important new market for the region's extensive natural gas resources, according to a new report released today.
As such, Port Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, has been tipped to become North America's preferred LNG bunkering destination.
"Canada has a tremendous natural gas resource advantage," said Alicia Milner, President of the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA) and Chair of the project steering committee.
"Allowing access for LNG in the marine sector is smart and strategic for Canada. British Columbia is uniquely positioned to become a preferred North American destination for LNG bunkering, with Port Metro Vancouver well- suited to be a leader in this regard."
Liquefied Natural Gas: A Marine Fuel for Canada's West Coast also included analysis of six coastal vessels, and found that LNG reduced fuel costs by more than 50 percent, with five of the ships having a payback on initial investment of less than six years.
The report also noted the suitability of LNG for addressing the January 1, 2015 tightening of sulfur levels in marine fuel used within Emissions Control Areas (ECAs).
"New marine regulations taking effect in January 2015 require a 90% reduction in fuel sulphur content. Compared to traditional marine fuels, LNG use can reduce sulphur emissions by at least 90%, lower nitrogen oxide emissions by 35% or more, decrease particulate matter by at least 85%, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19%," the CNGVA said today in a press release.
The report, which was jointly funded by a broad group of industry and other participants including Transport Canada, Port Metro Vancouver, and Wärtsilä, recommends changes to Canada's marine regulatory framework to allow for the review and approval of new LNG projects.
These changes would support new projects moving forward, says CNGVA, which includes the use of three LNG ferries that West Coast ferry operator BC Ferries plans to have in operation.
