Germany’s maritime sector has asked the Federal Government to implement specific measures in an effort to introduce liquefied natural gas as an alternative fuel for shipping.
In a joint statement, the Maritime LNG Platform, the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM), the Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) and the German Shipbrokers’ Association (ZVDS) propose three separate instruments: Germany needs an innovation offensive, a subsidisation programme for equipping ships with LNG propulsion, and uniform legal standards in ports.
“LNG has great potential for maritime shipping to achieve significant reductions in emissions of sulphur, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxis in coastal regions and in the port cities. At the same time, LNG already meets emission regulations, both those currently in force and those tabled for introduction in the future,” said Georg Ehrmann, Managing Director of the Maritime LNG Platform.
Ehrmann continued by commenting that the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and the Maritime Coordinator of the Federal Government have recognized the importance of LNG for cleaner transport routes, which was highlighted in the coalition agreement and in the EU Directive ‘Clean Power for Transport’.
Furthermore, the measures proposed are key prerequisites for LNG to be able to succeed as an environmentally friendly fuel. Ehrmann states that not only does the use of LNG offer increased protection of the environment, it also represents great opportunities for creating more add value and high-quality jobs for Germany as a business location.
With a concerted LNG initiative signed to promote the implementation of innovations and to close existing gaps in the regulatory framework, it will become feasible to achieve significant reductions in emissions in ports and waterways and to create high-quality jobs – and not only in coastal regions.
…said Dr. Ralf Sören Marquardt, Managing Director, German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM).
In addition, Ralf Nagel, Chief Executive Officer of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) said that without a comprehensive incentive scheme from the Federal Government for the construction and retrofitting of LNG-powered ships, it will not be possible to dismantle the barriers to market entry.
Ships that can use both conventional fuels as well as liquefied natural gas (dual-fuel drive) cost up to 25% more because of the special engines and the additional tanks and fuel lines required.
Daniel Hosseus, Senior Managing Director of the Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) also commented that the issue of LNG highlights the fact that a broadly based, consistent technology subsidisation scheme for maritime logistics is needed. For this reason the Federal Government ought to reinstitute the successful research programme for innovative sea port technologies (ISETEC), according to Hosseus.
Refuelling of LNG ships must become a commonplace occurrence in German ports, too. To ensure that the ships can be cleared as efficiently as has been the case to date, it must be ensured that the bunkering process can be carried out at the same time as the loading and unloading of the ships.
…said Dr. Alexanr Geisler, Managing Director, German Shipbrokers’ Association (ZVDS).