There is a sizeable carrot: the LNG bunker network is already in place at the larger ports and there are further moves to bring the liquid gas to the ship's side. Recent, novel Operations have demonstrated "that companies like Shell will work with vessel owners to get them the LNG bunkers that they require, where they require it and when they require it", says David Bull of MSI, adding that with this kind of backing he believes that as a marine fuel LNG "will stay competitive". The carrot is accompanied by a pretty big stick. Global and local air pollution regulations are gaining pace: China is moving ahead with tightening its own Emissions Control Areas and only recently both France and then the European Commission published impact assessments on a potential Mediterranean ECA.
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