SEA-LNG, a coalition to further the use of liquified natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel in the shipping industry, has welcomed supplier Nikkiso Clean Energy and Industrial Gases (CEIG) to its group.
A supplier of equipment, technology and engineering services relating to the use of LNG in the marine sector, Nikkiso CEIG will now have access to networking opportunities through SEA-LNG to work on projects such as the company’s cryogenic pumps and process systems.
CEO Peter Wagner said that his company looked forward to furthering its LNG work with SEA-LNG and wanted to encourage the shipping industry to “swiftly adopt” LNG as an alternative and low-carbon fuel: “The fuel also has the physical properties to facilitate a more efficient ship construction integration compared to alternative fuels.
"This enables the maritime industry to lower emissions by a further 20% on the basis of clean energy and efficient ship designs.”
Nikkiso CEIG, which is part of the wider Japan-based Nikkiso Co, has also worked on a variety of technology key to the future of LNG use, including heat exchanger systems, boil-off-gas management and integrated LNG fuel gas supply systems.
Alongside Nikkiso CEIG, SEA-LNG's membership features some of the maritime industry’s biggest players, including Wartsila, Shell LNG and NYK Line.
Another member of the group, TotalEnergies, recently showcased its leadership in the LNG world with the first LNG refuelling bunking operation in Marseille with MSC Cruises.
SEA-LNG chairman Peter Keller described the need to work together on a “basket” of technology options to help the shipping industry to achieve decarbonisation targets: “Collaboration across the entire LNG value chain, with companies like Nikkiso, ensures that LNG will have a place as a key part of that basket.
“As an important marine fuel, LNG can deliver on decarbonisation now with immediate greenhouse gas emissions reductions and that provides a low risk, incremental pathway for decarbonisation through bio-LNG and renewable synthetic e-LNG.”