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Ahead of the 70th session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the cross-industry coalition SEA\LNG has highlighted the ability of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector to meet the future emissions requirements of the global shipping industry.

The recently formed coalition has issued a position statement which outlines the benefits of LNG as a marine fuel and offers its support for the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI for the prevention of air pollution by ships.

SEA\LNG Chairman, Peter Keller said: "Independent of the timing of the IMO's implementation of the 0.5% global sulphur cap, today LNG is already a clean, safe, practical and economically viable fuel for the shipping industry. The industry is making big steps in creating the infrastructure to enable quick, safe and cost effective LNG bunkering in key global ports; diminishing the price premium for LNG-fuelled vessels; as well as working with regulators to establish consistent international and national regulations, which we believe will enhance investment in this sector."

Position Statement

SEA\LNG is a multi-sector industry coalition created to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. The coalition supports the implementation of the MARPOL Annex VI for the prevention of air pollution by ships. SEA\LNG believes the implementation date decision for the marine fuel sulphur cap needs to rest with the Member States comprising the MEPC.

LNG is an economic, clean and safe marine fuel with increasing global availability. It can also offer compliance with existing and scheduled MARPOL Annex VI emission requirements, and can significantly reduce particulate matter and GHG emissions. LNG emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter. Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG can, depending on the technology used, emit 90% less nitrous oxides (NOx) and 20-25% less carbon dioxide (CO2). SEA\LNG believes that LNG will be the fuel of choice for vessels operating in global trade lanes, as well as in ECA zones, where LNG is already gaining a foothold.

SEA\LNG members are positioned to help facilitate the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. SEA\LNG members come from across the LNG marine value chain, including LNG suppliers, shipping lines, classification societies, OEMs and Port Authorities.

SEA\LNG is a multi-sector industry coalition, created to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. Members include Carnival Corporation & plc, DNV GL, Eagle LNG Partners, ENGIE, GE, GTT, Keppel Offshore & Marine, Lloyd's Register, Mitsubishi Corporation, NYK Line, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell, TOTE Inc., and Wartsila.

LNG as a marine fuel

LNG as a marine fuel is a proven and available solution with available technologies to meet the project needs. There are already 86 LNG-fueled ships in operation worldwide (excluding LNG carriers) and a further 95 on order.

The LNG transportation industry has an excellent safety record where LNG is commonly used as fuel. Over the past 50 years, global LNG shipments have covered more than 100 million miles - about 4,000 times around the earth - without any major safety incidents in port or at sea.

LNG is widely available - globally there are 20 exporters of LNG and some 35 importers in almost all regions of the word.

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