LNG as a marine fuel

The IMO (International Maritime Organization) seeks to eliminate NOx emissions in general, and in particular SOx emissions from vessels that use the usual HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil).

The alternatives offered to shipowners include converting the engines of their vessels to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). This option is steadily gaining ground.

LNG does not produce NO2 or SOx, as is entirely sulphur-free. In the near future the Mediterranean and the shores of Spain will certainly become ECAs, and Spain’s geographical location and the supply infrastructure available throughout the country will put it in an ideal position to become a major hub for LNG distribution in the Mediterranean and the Cantabrian Sea.

We are currently working to draw up a regulation the bunkering of LNG that will be a pioneer of its kind, as no other European country has such regulations.

SINAVAL is an excellent opportunity for us to show the shipbuilding industry the potential of this new fuel. The seminar organised by GASNAM is scheduled for 22 April, and will be attended by EVE, port authorities and other members of GASNAM, including several shipping engineering firms and shipyards, whose representatives will give accounts of their positive experiences with the use of LNG as a marine fuel.