Commissioners from the European Union stated that they recognize the importance of LNG in helping the shipping industry achieve Europe’s goals for decarbonization.
Speaking during a private conference on green innovations, Joaquim Nunes de Almeida, director for energy-intensive industries and mobility with the European Commission’s DG GROW, recognized LNG as a necessary energy source.
Namely, the commissioner explained that supply issues, in addition to the need to develop further technologies make an immediate switch away from traditional fuel sources unrealistic.
We have to be aware of the constraints in which the industry is operating right now. Right now the truth of the matter is that you still have very little renewables and hydrogen or decarbonized forms of energy available in Europe
said de Almeida.
He also highlighted the need to “have some understanding for the industry that is on the one hand faced with an increased carbon price and on the other hand with a lack of real alternatives for the moment.”
The EU’s discussion on the future of LNG comes as other segments have also considered on the marine gas fuel. Namelt, OPEC anticipates that within the decade demand for conventional marine fuel will plateau.
More specifically, it projects that LNG usage will expand in marine modern internal combustion engines in the medium- to long-term.
LNG could become the dominant fuel, especially for large ocean-going vessels
