The Japanese transport ministry has announced plans to draw up safety standards for vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) in order to accelerate the commercialisation of the eco-friendly ships to replace oil-fuelled vessels.
The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry will seek 647m yen ($8m) during 2012 to prepare a model fuel tank and engine on shore to check for any structural problems and confirm the strength of piping and features.
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It is also planning to conduct an experiment at sea by refuelling a ship with LNG, which easily gasifies.
According to the Japanese transport ministry, natural gas costs one third of petroleum, and emits 25% less CO2 and up to 70% less nitrogen oxide.
