Using LNG as a fuel in ocean-going vessels will not be enough for operators, in order to comply with the emissions regulations that are coming into force. Shipping industry needs to find other ways of reducing emissions. Even if the entire shipping industry switched to LNG, it would still be far from its CO2 reduction targets.
Desgagnés christened and launched the M/T Mia Desgagnés, the world’s first polar-class dual-fuel oil/chemical tanker. The ship will be able to operate on three different types of fuel, including LNG, reducing GHG emissions. The ship will weigh 15,000 tons and its will have a capacity exceeding 17,000 m³.
Over the next year and a half Fluxys will build at quay 526-528 the necessary infrastructure for barges and smaller seagoing ships to fill up with LNG at a permanent facility with LNG storage. For this purpose the company is cooperating with G&V Energy Group, which will also build an LNG filling station for trucks on the same site.
As the shipping industry needs to move to renewable and alternative fuels to reduce environmental footprint, there is no widely available fuel to manage climate change and local pollutants, according to a study by University of Manchester. Some of the alternative fuel options analysed have the potential, but only if key barriers can be overcome.
During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Mr. Stylianos Mavrelos, Technical Director, Capital Ship Management, addressed different compliance options and ULSFO availability. As postponement of the Sulphur cup regulation seems unlikely, due to a number constraints presented, it is expected that the majority of the vessels will continue burning ULSFO and or MGO.
Faced with a decision with huge cost implications, shipowners are considering all options on how to tackle sulphur emissions. Although any possible delay was ruled out during IMO MEPC 71, industry stakeholders think that a postponement of the 2020 deadline is possible, likewise the time extension of the BWM Convention.
LNG bunkering safety risk aspects have been discussed in a large extent. The design of safe LNG systems and operations requires a deep understanding of LNG safety aspects, accident scenarios, and development of safeguards to prevent LNG release, ignition or fire escalation. However, LNG safety depends on a number of different aspects.
Hoping to make Tokyo Bay a gateway to Asia for ships sailing in the Pacific Ocean, into a LNG bunkering hub, Uyeno Transtech, Sumitomo Corporation, and Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation will jointly study the commercial feasibility of Ship-To-Ship LNG bunkering services using LNG bunkering vessels.
Qatar Petroleum signed a set of Guiding Principles on reducing methane emissions across the natural gas value chain, becoming the first Middle East national oil firm to join the wider efforts by the global energy industry to ensure that natural gas continues to play a critical role in future energy demand while addressing climate change.
CMA CGM released its annual numbers for 2017, which indicate a strong increase of 21.1% compared to 2016. Amongst the top operating sectors for 2017, CMA-CGM said that Maritime, inland and logistics development, along with Innovation and digitalization are highlights.
