An EU clean fuels pilot project is underway to promote the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as marine fuel for ships.
Hopes are high for the Marine Fuel Gas Logistics project (Magalog) to take off as industry players begin showing interest amid growing international pressure for shipping to clean up its emissions.
Magalog's main aim is to encourage the design, construction and use of ships capable of running on LNG, which offers massive emission reductions compared to conventional bunkers: 25% less carbon dioxide, 86% less nitrogen dioxide, 100% less particulate matter and 100% less sulphur dioxide.
"There are lots of potential applications for LNG. It could be used in short-sea shipping, fishing vessels or by the coastguard," said project co-ordinator Jorg Straussler.
According to experts, LNG as ship fuel is very suitable for vessels operating on the same route for long time periods, such as ferries and vessels engaged in coastal and inland work.
Reports say that project managers working on a model established in Norway have identified several potential LNG terminal sites, including Helsinki and Stockholm. They are also doing a feasibility study with L¨¹beck in Germany.
Sources say the main stumbling block for the project is the fact that engine conversion on existing ships has been deemed unfeasible, which means LNG-powered ships will have to be built.
That being said, aside from cleaner air, LNG could also offer economic advantages such as making coolers or pre-heating of engines redundant.
But the success of LNG as a ship fuel will ultimately come down to price, and Straussler said governments would have to support the initiative for a move to LNG to work.
Support could be in the form of funding and help with LNG infrastructure to meet vessels' refuelling needs.
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