SEA\LNG industry coalition advocates greater momentum from shipping industry to deliver vital air quality improvements as the sulphur cap enforcement is not far away and urges for commitment to compliance with, and enforcement of, IMO MARPOL VI Regulations.
SEA\LNG recognises that the Port State Authorities have a clear obligation under the governing Treaties to ensure even handed and consistent enforcement of the IMO regulations. While enforcement has always been a difficult issue, now is the time for all IMO members to understand the importance of this regulation and ensure that it is implemented and enforced as envisioned.
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 sulphur cap of 0.5% 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.
Iin addressing the primary concerns of cost and compliance, the coalition supports that 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.
Peter Keller, SEA\LNG Chairman, explained: “LNG far exceeds alternative options in terms of emissions reductions. It emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG emits 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and through the use of best current practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in GHGs. Advancements in dual fuel technology and propulsion, enhanced control systems, and future use of gas turbine technologies present further opportunity for increased GHG reductions.”
Keller concluded: “LNG will be one of a portfolio of solutions going forward to help lower emissions, creating a more sustainable future for shipping. We recognise that there are barriers and limitations, but we are confident that by working together, we can overcome these hurdles as the industry has always done in the past. We do, however, require a greater sense of urgency and commitment.”
Yes I find this very useful and i tandem with both SOLAS and MARPOL requirements.