SEALNG, the industry coalition promoting the use of LNG as a marine fuel, urged the industry to up its commitment to compliance with, and enforcement of, IMO regulations.
SEALNG recognizes that the Port State Authorities have a clear obligation under the governing treaties to ensure even handed and consistent enforcement of the IMO regulations, the coalition’s statement reads.
The coalition acknowledged that today’s shipowners are operating in a challenging economic environment amid stringent and increasing environmental regulations. With a complex investment decision matrix of risks when considering how to comply with the global
With a complex investment decision matrix of risks when considering how to comply with the global sulphur cap of 0.5 percent from 2020, shipowners must make decisions that remain viable into the future and make choices between a limited number of options; LNG, scrubbers, or low sulphur fuels.
SEALNG chairman Peter Keller said, “Shipping has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact from harmful emissions, but more needs to be done. All parties, especially the Port State Authorities must play their part.”
SEALNG added that in addressing the primary concerns of cost and compliance, LNG as a marine fuel provides a means of negating current and potential future local emissions challenges, and is a step in the right direction towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transport.
The energy transition is moving in a clear direction. The vast majority of the world’s top ten bunkering ports offer LNG bunkering or have firm plans to do so by 2020.
As this LNG bunker market continues to develop, there is already a drive to meet the demand for LNG as marine fuel at these and other critical locations. By the end of 2017, six LNG bunker vessels will be in operation, expanded from one at the start of the year.
These vessels are key to scaling-up demand for LNG as a marine fuel and delivering fuel in a way that is “normal” for shipowners, the statement reads.
Keller added, “LNG will be one of a portfolio of solutions going forward to help lower emissions, creating a more sustainable future for shipping.”
He further said the coalition understands that there are barriers and limitations but it is confident that by working together, market players can overcome these hurdles as the industry has always done in the past.