Americas News
Industry Groups Study LNG Bunkering in Canada
Seventeen industry organisations are participating in a CAD 1.2 million ($1.16 million) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering project on Canada's West Coast, according to a Canada News Wire press release.
The project will conclude in November 2013 with a report on technology readiness, training, safe operations, regulatory requirements, and the environmental and economic benefits of the use of LNG marine fuel for Canada.
Participants include Port Metro Vancouver, BC Ferries, Seaspan, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Wärtsilä, ABS, Rolls-Royce Canada and other government and industry players.
"LNG bunkering is being considered by major ports around the world as one way to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability," said Duncan Wilson, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Port Metro Vancouver.
"We are committed to growing Canada's largest Gateway to the Asia Pacific in a sustainable way and LNG offers the potential to improve environmental performance and enhance our competitive position."
Mike Corrigan, president and CEO of BC Ferries, said the company uses low-sulfur diesel now, but it is interested in pursuing alternative fuels to reduce costs and environmental impacts.
"LNG is an attractive option as it offers fuel savings and emissions reductions through the use of an abundant local resource," he said.
With many in the industry viewing LNG as a potential solution to environmental and cost concerns, studies on the potential for LNG bunkering are underway at places including the Port of Dunkirk in France, the Port of Tallinn in Estonia, and three South Korean ports.
