A recent study published in the academic journalEnergy Policy evaluated whether using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel for ships can noticeably reduce local pollution and greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by the maritime industry.
The study was carried out by University of Delaware’s James Corbett, Professor of Marine Science and Policy, in collaboration with James Winebrake, Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, and University of Delaware doctoral graduate Heather Thomson.
They found that using natural gas lowers levels of emissions from maritime related activities, but that the extraction, processing, distribution and usage of the gas determines the final impact it has on overall GHG emissions reductions.
The study examined the current availability of LNG infrastructure at major ports and how this influences the use of natural gas. For instance, if the infrastructure for natural gas is not in place, then the ability for LNG to reduce emissions will be implicated.
Corbett suggests that carefully constructed policies are essential in developing infrastructure to enable LNG use and to ensure that leakage is minimised at the earliest stages of the fuel cycle.
During the study, an advanced method known as “technology warming potential” (TWP) was used to determine the life cycle of LNG production and delivery over three case studies.
For each case study, LNG was compared to commercial marine diesel fuels. Local, regional, and long haul cargo transport were assessed with nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) accounted for. The complete process from natural gas extraction to the production of LNG was examined, taking into account energy policy decisions related to ship fuel choices and natural gas development.
Corbett and his colleagues found that under certain conditions and timeframes, natural gas in marine engines has the ability to reduce GHG emissions. However, the availability of infrastructure as well as advanced combustion technologies to reduce methane gas are vital for facilitating visible reductions in GHG emissions from the maritime industry.
Corbett stated that, “Local and regional air pollution benefits of liquefied natural gas are a slam-dunk over traditional marine fuels, and the long run price of LNG looks to be advantageous. But LNG was not a clear winner for climate change with regard to greenhouse gas implications, especially if the fuel supply infrastructure is not designed to minimize natural gas losses.”
The study was supported by the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), who continue to study the necessary infrastructure to enable LNG fuelling at ports across the US.
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