Americas News
LNG is Indisputably the Best Long-Term Solution for Ship Owners
Neil Gilliver, President of Rolls-Royce's Merchant sector said Tuesday that liquid natural gas (LNG) as a vessel fuel is "indisputably the best long-term solution for ship owners."
The comments came as the global power systems company announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved for sale its C-engine range marine LNG engine.
Gilliver said the approval was "good news for the U.S. marine industry" and would give the firm a head start in the U.S. market.
"Our innovative vessel designs and gas-based power & propulsion systems help ship owners reduce through life costs and improve operational efficiency, while dramatically reducing harmful emissions and meeting strident future international environmental regulations," he added.
According to the statement, the engine was designed to improve fuel efficiency, cut methane emissions, and meet upcoming international environmental standards, with the range said to meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III regulations for ships constructed on or after January 1, 2016, as well as upcoming Tier IV emissions limits.
Rolls-Royce said the engines are already in operation on car ferries and coastal ferries in Europe, and are being installed on the world's first gas powered tugs.
Last week Lloyd's Register said that a global acceptance of LNG as a marine fuel will depend on pricing.
