A group of 14 companies from different marine industries have created a coalition, SEA/LNG, to encourage the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.
The newly formed coalition aims to help break down the barriers hampering the global development of LNG in marine applications, as well as improving the environmental performance of the shipping industry.
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The SEA/LNG initiative is made up of Wärtsilä, Carnival, DNV-GL, ENGIE, ENN Group, GE Marine, GTT, Lloyds Register, Mitsubishi, NYK Line, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell Downstream, and Tote.
All the members have mutually agreed to provide human resources, data analysis, and knowledge sharing in support of the SEA/LNG initiatives and activities.
Wärtsilä Marine Solutions flow and gas solutions vice-president Timo Koponen said: “This is a strong coalition combining the expertise of major fleet owners, classification societies, port facilities, and energy experts.
“Wärtsilä contributes its vast experience and know-how in gas driven propulsion systems and the entire gas value chain. By working together, we plan to overcome the challenges and speed the general acceptance of LNG.
“Having been a pioneer in the use of LNG as a marine fuel, and a developer of major technologies facilitating the adoption of LNG fuel, it is natural that Wärtsilä supports wholeheartedly the aims of the SEA/LNG coalition.”
SEA/LNG will focus on the development of LNG bunkering in major ports, educating stakeholders as to the risks and opportunities in the use of LNG fuel, as well as developing globally consistent regulations for cleaner shipping fuels.
It is noted that compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO), LNG helps in reducing NOx emission by around 85%.
Furthermore, LNG reduces SOx emissions as natural gas contains no sulphur.
Image: Marine industry players form SEA/LNG initiate to promote LNG bunkering. Photo: courtesy of Wärtsilä.
