g src=”/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/229-97867_Sea_Lng_logo_web.jpg” alt=”SEALNG” width=”250″ height=”100″ style=”margin: 5px; float: left;” />SEALNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, today announced that it has launched a new free-to-access online tool to improve understanding of the current, and rapidly evolving, LNG bunkering infrastructure landscape.
The new Bunker Navigator Tool utilizes member, marine information services, and publicly available data to provide easy access to the latest developments in the global LNG bunkering infrastructure. The map-based tool, provides an overview of key LNG bunkering developments and how this growing infrastructure relates to major global shipping routes, traditional oil bunkering ports, and the bulk LNG infrastructure which will provide the foundation for future bunkering services.
As the 2020 0.5% global sulfur cap edges ever closer, SEA/LNG said that shipowners must make decisions that remain viable into the future – and choose between a limited number of options; LNG, scrubbers, or low sulfur fuels. The coalition believes that demonstrating through the newly launched Bunker Navigator Tool – that LNG bunkering infrastructure is available globally and is continually developing will support shipowners’ investments in LNG-fuelled ships.
Peter Keller, SEALNG chairman and executive vice president, Tote said: “The coalition’s mission since inception has been to further the shipping industry’s knowledge of the viability and sustainability of LNG as a marine fuel. A key barrier has been a general lack of understanding of current and forthcoming LNG bunkering infrastructure. What we sought to achieve with the Bunker Navigator Tool is a quick, easy-to-access platform that includes relevant, up-to-date, and free-to-access information on LNG infrastructure and bunker development.”
He said that today LNG is readily available in bulk at approximately 150 locations worldwide, and there is a huge bulk LNG infrastructure of regasification terminals and liquefaction plants globally. Of the world’s top oil-bunkering ports, nine of the top 10 offer LNG bunkering, or will do so by 2020. However, it is the movement of LNG from bulk facilities to the ships, more commonly known as the ‘last mile’, where efforts are being concentrated to enable easy access to LNG as a marine fuel.
According to SEA/LNG, by addressing the core compliance issue for owners – the fuel their vessels are burning – LNG provides a viable solution for the long term. LNG emits zero SOx, virtually zero particulate matter, and – depending on the technology used – 90% fewer NOx emissions. LNG’s greenhouse gas (GHG) performance represents a major step forward when compared with traditional marine fuels. Utilising best practices and appropriate technologies can result in realistic reductions of GHG by about 20%.
