Industry players form coalition to promote LNG as marine fuel

Representatives from the maritime and oil and gas sectors have joined forces to create the SEA/LNG group, which aims to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas as an alternative to traditional diesel fuel.    Representatives from the maritime and oil and gas sectors have joined forces in their efforts to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as marine fuel, coalition member Wärtsilä said today.
   The newly-formed SEA/LNG coalition is comprised of NYK Line, Port of Rotterdam, Lloyds Register, TOTE, Mitsubishi, GE Marine, Carnival Corporation, DNV-GL, Qatargas, Shell Downstream, GTT, ENGIE and ENN Group.
   The aim of the group is to promote the use of LNG as an alternative to traditional diesel fuels and reduce the environmental impact of the ocean shipping industry. Members have agreed to provide human resources, data analysis and engage in a free exchange of ideas in support of SEA/LNG initiatives.
   LNG offers significant environmental advantages compared to heavy fuel oil used today, cutting nitrous oxide emissions by around 85 percent and eliminating sulfur oxide emissions almost entirely. Natural gas itself does not contain sulfur and particle production is near zero due to its efficient combustion.
   SEA/LNG will focus primarily on supporting the development of LNG bunkering in major ports, educating industry stakeholders on opportunities for using LNG as marine fuel, and developing consistent global regulations for environmentally friendly shipping fuels.
   “This is a strong coalition combining the expertise of major fleet owners, classification societies, port facilities and energy experts,” Wärtsilä Marine Solutions VP of Flow & Gas Timo Koponen said in a statement. “By working together, we plan to overcome the challenges and speed the general acceptance of LNG.”