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Lloyds Register - a maritime classification society and independent risk management organisation providing risk assessment and mitigation services and management systems certification - says the November 2013 edition of its Gas Technology Report, is dedicated to the topic of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.

Highlights of the report are said to include:

- A look at developments in Canada – a shipowner, the regulator and a shipbuilder talk about gas-fuelled shipping.

- Progress made by the Maritime and Port Authority in Singapore to develop LNG bunkering.

- The CEO of Viking Line talks about the LR-classed Viking Grace.

- Interviews with The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) and the newly formed Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF).

Luis Benito, Global Head of Marketing for Lloyd’s Register, commented: "We hope that this report will help readers build a clearer picture of the realities of being ready to use LNG as a marine fuel. Generally, developments so far reflect our view of a likely trajectory for gas-fuelled investment: take-up is mainly by niche or specialised trades, trades located in emission control areas (ECAs) and point-to-point traders predominantly in ECAs, such as ferries and small containership operators.

"It is exciting to see how fast the marine industry in North America is turning to LNG – few would have predicted this a few years ago. Now it will be interesting to see how quickly gas as fuel will develop in the deep sea trades."

Image: LNG Sokoto, operated by Bonny Gas Transport Ltd.