LNG bunkering rules take shape

摘要

Regulatory authorities are under great pressure to finalise an internationally agreed set of rules which govern LNG bunkering and cover aspects such as ship design and equipment, transfer arrangements and operational safety. Harmonised requirements will give shipowners the level playing field they need to underpin their investments and provide users of LNG-fuelled ships with a base upon which they can build a safety performance record every bit as exemplary as that established by the LNG carrier sector. More and more owners and operators are considering the use of natural gas to power their vessels in compliance with the tightening international regime governing emissions of atmospheric pollution from ships. As the fleets of LNG-powered vessels in service and on order continue to grow rapidly, regulatory authorities are being requested to review an ever-increasing number of LNG-fuelled vessel concept designs.