LNG as a marine fuel: Holy Grail or empty promise?

摘要

Primarily composed of methane, LNG as a marine fuel is considered the cleanest burning fossil fuel, virtually eliminating or significantly reducing NOx, SOx and particulate matter. Carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissions, too, are about 25 to 28% lower as compared with liquid fossil fuel counterparts, according to a study by consultancy Thinkstep, commissioned by industry organisations SEA/LNG and The Society of Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF).Those clean-burning characteristics make LNG appealing both as an alternative fuel to comply with current emission regulations and as a bridge solution to stricter global regulations in 2030 and 2050. Case in point, while over 90% of the world's oceangoing fleet opted for very low sulphur fuel oil to comply with IMO's 2020 0.50% global sulphur cap, a growing segment of shipowners invested in LNG-fuelled tonnage. LNG-fuelled newbuild orders surged in 2019, with shipowners contracting for 100 vessels in 2019, treble the annual average ordered between 2016 and 2018, according to class society DNV GL. As a result, the LNG-fuelled vessel orderbook grew to 205, with deliveries stretching to 2027. The current fleet stands at 182, with cruise ships, ferries, container ships, tankers, car carriers and offshore vessels comprising major segments.