SEA\LNG: LNG Sector Capable of Supplying Shipping Industry for Future Global Emissions Requirements

SEA\LNG Chairman, Peter Keller, says LNG is already "a clean, safe, practical and economically viable."

In the lead up to the 70th Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70), SEA\LNG Tuesday issued a statement to confirm the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector's ability to meet the shipping industry's requirements upon the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) implementation of a 0.5 percent global sulfur cap on marine fuels.

"Independent of the timing of the IMO's implementation of the 0.5 percent global sulfur cap, today LNG is already a clean, safe, practical and economically viable fuel for the shipping industry," said SEA\LNG Chairman, Peter Keller.

"The industry is making big steps in creating the infrastructure to enable quick, safe and cost effective LNG bunkering in key global ports; diminishing the price premium for LNG-fuelled vessels; as well as working with regulators to establish consistent international and national regulations, which we believe will enhance investment in this sector."

SEA\LNG says it supports the implementation of the MARPOL Annex VI for the prevention of air pollution by ships, and believes the decision on an implementation date for the stricter global sulfur cap on marine fuel rests with MEPC's members.

Further, the consortium, highlighting LNG's benefits, including its ability to "significantly" reduce particulate matter and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, says it believes that LNG will become the fuel of choice for vessels operating in global trade lanes and emission control areas (ECAs).

"LNG as a marine fuel is a proven and available solution with available technologies to meet the project needs. There are already 86 LNG-fueled ships in operation worldwide (excluding LNG carriers) and a further 95 on order," said SEA\LNG.

The consortium notes that, with 20 exporters and approximately 35 importers covering almost all regions of the world, LNG is "widely available," and has an "excellent" safety record.

"Over the past 50 years, global LNG shipments have covered more than 100 million miles – about 4,000 times around the earth – without any major safety incidents in port or at sea," said SEA\LNG.

Earlier this month, SEA\LNG announced that Eagle LNG Partners (Eagle LNG) had joined the founding members as a part of the now 15 member cross-industry coalition.