Recent analysis by energy research firm Zeus Development Corporation has identified International Organization of Standardization (ISO) intermodal tanks as an important enabling technology for marine operators to switch from petroleum fuels to natural gas.
The marine industry is accustomed to transporting and storing ISO containers for general freight and bulk liquids. Specialized insulated containers increasingly are being filled with liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be transported to port for use as onboard fuel tanks.
“The containers can be used as fuel tanks themselves, ” said Zeus lead analyst Tom Campbell , “ allowing some ships to convert to LNG without having to retrofit the vessel for new onboard fuel storage.”
By using intermodal containers the marine fleets also can save on the amount of infrastructure needed to bunker LNG, Campbell noted.
“The containers allow fleets to transport LNG without having to pump and transfer the liquid along the supply chain, ” he said. “The LNG stays cold in the double-walled container for up to 60 days without boiloff.”
New LNG fuel plants increasingly plan to fill containers as a means to transport the fuel to market. With marine fleets, the containers can serve both as a transport medium and an onboard storage medium. Many ports are equipped for intermodal container operations. Thus, container ship fleets may find them especially cost effective.
To discuss the growth of LNG intermodal container trade, Zeus will host a one-day workshop in Houston on June 26. The meeting will include a visit to WesMor Cryogenic Company’s LaPorte Manufacturing facility where ISO LNG containers are built as well as equipment displays of containment and fueling systems.
[mappress] Zeus, May 17, 2013; Image: Chart LNG