Germany’s maritime sector has called upon the federal government to implement specific measures in an effort to introduce liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel for shipping.
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In a joint statement, the Maritime LNG Platform, the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM), the Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) and the German Shipbrokers’ Association (ZVDS) propose three separate instruments: an innovation campaign, a subsidisation programme for equipping ships with LNG propulsion, and uniform legal standards in ports.
Georg Ehrmann, Managing Director of the Maritime LNG Platform stated: “The measures we are proposing here are key prerequisites for LNG to be able to succeed as an environmentally friendly fuel. Not only does the use of LNG offer increased protection of the environment; it also represents great opportunities for creating more added value and high-quality jobs for Germany as a business location.“
“The German shipbuilding industry has made a decisive contribution to the promotion of LNG as a clean alternative fuel, and it is currently in an ideal position to become a leader in the development of this technology and of this market,” commented Dr Ralf Sören Marquardt, Managing Director of VSM. “With a concerted LNG initiative designed to promote the implementation of innovations and to close existing gaps in the regulatory framework, it will become feasible to achieve significant reductions in emissions in ports and waterways and to create high-quality jobs – and not only in coastal regions.”
“Without a comprehensive incentive scheme from the federal government for the construction and retrofitting of LNG-powered ships, it will not be possible to dismantle the barriers to market entry,” said Ralf Nagel, Chief Executive Officer of VDR.“Not a single LNG-powered ship has been commissioned without government subsidies throughout Europe to date. As a leading maritime nation, Germany ought to be taking on a pioneering role.”
Ships that can use both conventional fuels as well as liquefied natural gas (dual-fuel drive) cost up to 25% more because of the special engines and the additional tanks and fuel lines required.
