SEA\LNG, the coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, has announced that is has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF).

The MoU creates a framework for how the two complementary organisations will work together to achieve their common goal of making LNG the fuel of choice for the shipping industry, according to a statement. 

Mark Bell, general manager and COO, SGMF noted: “Through our work on the safety and technical aspects of LNG, SGMF remains wholly focused on promoting safe and responsible operations for gas fuelled ships. The 100 plus members of SGMF represent the whole value chain from supply to end use and our focus remains on safety, technical, contractual, training and competence, environment and gas as fuel industry information. SGMF does not cover the commercial aspect and therefore it will be beneficial to leverage the work of SEA\LNG on this issue. Together, our combined parallel efforts will best serve our respective members and the overall LNG value chain.”

Peter Keller, SEA\LNG Chairman and Executive Vice President, Tote said: “SEA\LNG and SGMF have separate but complementary missions, and we are both wholly committed to the development of natural gas as a marine fuel. This MoU will ensure that our efforts are concentrated on defined areas, enabling us to support each other successfully, and ultimately providing the confidence and demand required for an effective, efficient, and safe global marine LNG value chain by 2020.”

The two organisations have pledged to support each other by sharing knowledge, data, and information from their own areas of responsibility that will be of benefit to each other’s members.