This papers details the strong incentives to use gas as a marine propulsion fuel. Considering the environmental and economic drivers, the gas fuel ship is a very attractive option although the gas fuel support systems cost more and are a challenge to arrange. The scope of the paper covers the pros and cons of the use of LNG fuel for marine applications, diesel scrubber technology versus utilising natural gas, classification and regulatory hurdles and some offshore support vessel arrangement considerations.rnThere has been a significant amount of interest and discussion in recent months in the US regarding the application and benefits of using natural gas as a source of fuel for marine vessels. There are many examples of vessels (for example LNG carriers, passenger, patrol, ferries, etc.) currently in operation using natural gas in Europe, however as a fuel for vessels operating in North America it has been slow to progress.rnThere are just as many proponents noting the benefits of the near zero emissions of a gas fuel system as there are touting the negative impact of methane slip and its potential to negate these benefits. Additionally, there are just as many proponents of scrubber systems which utilize urea and other additives to reduce the emissions on vessels. One critical issue in this argument is the capital investment versus the operational costs.rnInternational class societies have been overseeing the design and operation of natural gas fuelled vessels for over a decade now; however, most class societies have only recently created or put into force gas propulsion guideline rules. Luckily, most of the guidelines and rules are similar in nature because they have been developed from roadmap International Maritime Organization guidelines. Domestically in the US, although the American Bureau of Shipping has draft rules that follow the intent of the international rules, the US Coast Guard has additional interpretations of the international rules that are considered more stringent.rnIn order to suit the particular regulations in the US, the configuration of the vessel plays a big part in the ability to fit an LNG propulsion system without sacrificing cargo capacity, especially for offshore supply vessels.
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