DNV GL has published a report for the European Union (EU) that details how ship owners and operators can overcome the barriers to uptake of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.
Their report, entitled “Analysis and evaluation of identified gaps and of the remaining aspects for completing an EU-wide framework for marine LNG distribution, bunkering and use” will act as a tool for ship owners to understand how to navigate around LNG barriers.
It has been published by the classification society in light of the upcoming November 2016 Directive that means that all Member States will have to submit a national policy framework for the implementation of EU alternative fuels.
The report provides an overview of the current standards, rules and regulations that govern the LNG fuel supply chain in the maritime industry and states that the largest barriers to uptake are the gaps in legislative or regulatory framework and the lack of harmonised standards.
DNV GL’s analysis and evaluation identifies the remaining gaps for completing an EU-wide framework for marine LNG distribution, bunkering and use and states that in order to make LNG bunkering and fuelled vessels feasible in the EU, a set of recommendations addressing the gaps identified and an impact assessment of the recommendations and actions is required.
This report advises the EU to implement low to moderate harmonisation scenarios in order to help Member States use alternative fuels such as LNG with a ‘light touch’ according to Martin Layfield, global segment leader of the Gas Value Chain DNV GL – Oil & Gas. This will help with the implementation of the November 2016 Directive, reduce delays and administrative burdens but enable standardisation he said.
Liv Hovem, Regional Manager, Continental Europe, North and East Africa for DNV GL – Oil & Gas, commented: The next three decades will see substantial increase in energy demand. At the same time, a big part of the world expects the energy to be greener, more reliable and more affordable. This is what we refer to as the energy ‘trilemma’. Natural gas has a key role to play in the future energy mix and Europe will continue to be a significant import hub for LNG,”
This report is part of a wider study entitled “Study on the completion of an EU framework on LNG-fuelled ships and its relevant fuel provision infrastructure” commissioned by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE).
The report can be accessed by clicking here.
Ship Efficiency Review News
To contact the reporter responsible for this article, please email editor@fathom-mi.com
