SEALNG, the cross-industry coalition established to promote the use of LNG as a marine fuel, said the liquefied natural gas sector is ready for the future emissions demands of the shipping industry.
The coalition said in its statement on Tuesday it supports the implementation of the MARPOL Annex VI for the prevention of air pollution by ships.
LNG as fuel enables compliance with existing and scheduled MARPOL Annex VI emission requirements, and can significantly reduce particulate matter and GHG emissions, the statement reads.
Liquefied natural gas emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter. Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG can, depending on the technology used, emit 90 percent less nitrous oxides (NOx) and 20-25 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2).
The coalition believes that LNG will become a fuel of choice for vessels operating in global trade lanes, as well as in ECA zones, where LNG is already gaining a foothold.
According to SEALNG, there are currently 86 LNG-fueled ships in operation worldwide (excluding LNG carriers) and a further 95 on order.
Members of the coalition, launched in July, include Carnival Corporation, DNV GL, Eagle LNG Partners, Engie, GE, GTT, Keppel Offshore & Marine, Lloyd’s Register, Mitsubishi Corporation, NYK Line, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell, TOTE and Wärtsilä.