SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, announced the addition of three new members to the coalition, according to a press release.

Bureau Veritas, Clean Marine Energy, and Gas Natural Fenosa have joined SEA\LNG to “break down the barriers to LNG uptake and assure its vital role as a clean and economically viable alternative to traditional bunker fuels.”

Peter Keller, SEA\LNG Chairman and Executive Vice President, Tote said: “We firmly believe that collaboration, demonstration and communication on key areas such as safety, regulation, emissions and the economic case are essential to providing the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global LNG value chain by 2020. With the addition of Bureau Veritas (BV), Clean Marine Energy (CME), and Gas Natural Fenosa to our coalition, we are expanding our knowledge and experience base, bringing us one step closer to achieving our vision.”

Bureau Veritas’ involvement across the entire LNG fuel chain includes the classification of LNG-fuelled vessels, including tankers, ferries and cruise ships, as well as LNG bunker vessels, and LNG plant and terminal certification. At the end of 2016, Bureau Veritas had 22 LNG-fuelled ships in class with a further 39 under construction – one recently ordered. In China, BV is the leading classification society for new LNG-fuelled ships.

Philippe Donche Gay, President, Marine and Offshore commented: “We play a significant role in helping ensure safe LNG as fuel operations from design through to construction and into operations, including a safe bunkering framework. Bureau Veritas is committed to helping make LNG one of the preferred, and safe solutions for a clean shipping future, which is why it makes sense to work collectively with SEA\LNG members to achieve this.”

Founded in 2012, Clean Marine Energy is a first-mover in developing LNG distribution infrastructure and finances the construction or retrofit of LNG-fuelled vessels. The organisation also develops, owns, and operates LNG infrastructure in select locations to serve LNG-fuelled vessels, guaranteeing LNG supply. In February 2015, CME signed construction contracts to build the first US Jones Act LNG bunker vessel at Conrad’s Shipyard in Orange, Texas, and alongside energy midstream company Northstar Midstream, LLC and partner Pivotal LNG is constructing the first fully-integrated LNG marine fuelling facility in North America (JAX LNG), in Jacksonville, Florida.

Pace Ralli, CEO, Clean Marine Energy said: “The greatest barriers for shipowners and operators to convert to LNG are access to capital and guaranteed LNG supply. CME’s ability to provide funding for LNG powered vessels and our commitment to developing the supply chain will lower these barriers. We look forward to working collectively with the SEA\LNG coalition to provide owners and operators with the confidence to make the transition from conventional marine fuels to natural gas.”

Gas Natural Fenosa is one of the leading liquefied natural gas operators worldwide and a key operator in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Basins. It has a diversified natural gas and LNG portfolio, amounting to approximately 30 bcm, and employs directly or indirectly a fleet of new methane tankers for the transportation of LNG worldwide. Gas Natural Fenosa operates in the entire gas value chain, from exploration to distribution and marketing, including production, liquefaction and transport. It also has facilities for gas storage and regasification.

Alejandro Garcia, Head of Global Gas Origination of Gas Natural Fenosa commented: “As a leading LNG operator, we hope that the SEA\LNG coalition will benefit from our presence throughout the gas value chain. We continuously strive to adapt to the evolving market by ensuring a strong presence in emerging LNG bunkering markets. This approach is aligned with the Group’s mission to respond to society’s energy needs by offering quality and environmentally friendly products and services, and reaffirms our position as a leading company within the LNG sector.”