The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has published the third edition of its life cycle assessment (LCA) of LNG as a marine fuel, showing tank-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of up to 29% compared with 0.1% marine gas oil (MGO).

According to SGMF, this represents an improvement of up to 13% compared with its previous LNG LCA published in 2022, reflecting progress in reducing methane slip. The study also reports well-to-wake emissions reductions of up to 25%, supported in part by well-to-tank emissions reductions of up to 9% compared with the organisation’s first LNG LCA in 2019.

The assessment covers multiple pathways reflecting different carbon intensities and is based on the performance of a range of engine types, including medium-speed four-stroke and low-speed two-stroke engines. SGMF said the study was peer-reviewed by industry experts and leading academics, with the underlying data provided by stakeholders both within and outside its membership.

Mark Bell, Managing Director of SGMF, remarked: "Shipowners making decisions on future fuel pathways must rely on independent, fact-based full well-to-wake data of all the fuels, ensuring decision making that contributes to reducing the overall emission levels in the maritime industry. That is why, as an organisation, we place high value on rigorous independent studies to support our members and contribute to the safe and sustainable decarbonisation of the maritime industry."

Emma Scheiris, Deputy Director-Environment at Intertanko commented: "Independent and transparent life cycle assessments are essential for tanker owners and operators. Intertanko supports this study's commitment to robust well-to-wake principles that can apply consistently across all fuels and reflect actual supply pathways. It offers a structured assessment to evaluate environmental impact and helps our members assess their decarbonisation strategies."

SGMF noted that it expects to publish its first LCA on methanol as a marine fuel in mid-2026, following its ammonia LCA published in 2024. The organisation also plans to issue second editions covering both ammonia and methanol in the coming years.

The report forms part of SGMF’s broader work on low-flashpoint fuels under the IGF Code.

SGMF was established in 2013 and expanded its remit in 2018 to become active at the International Maritime Organization. The organisation now covers all low-flashpoint fuels under the IGF Code.

A copy of 'The 3rd Life Cycle GHG Emission Study on the Use of LNG as a Marine Fuel' is available for download here.