First speaker was Erik Neandross of Gladstein Neandross Associates (USA), who presented “Off-road NGV developments” and provided a summary of highlights and issues arising from the Heavy Horsepower Summit held in Texas in September, including technology, policy and implementation developments.
Neandross mentioned there is a lot of activity in the maritime sector, so the first actions on LNG for marine applications are being encouraged including the first project in North America. This is accentuated by the increase in gas production, proven reserves worldwide and “shale gas revolution”. “We now know of 48 sites in 32 countries, so people should use those resources,” he said.
The executive said that LNG is already used in vessels in the state of Washington and in Quebec, and that there are advanced plans to introduce it in trains. Another market that is beginning is mining, Neandross added, with some initiatives in the state of Utah where LNG is now used in plants but companies want it to fuel their heavy-horsepower trucks. Caterpillar, for example, has already expressed its intention to transform its fleet to natural gas, as they “see that the market is growing globally and that NG is where the industry goes.”
LNG for emission control
Moreover, Du Dachang, Special Advisor on Environment Protection Standards/Senior Deputy Director, International Maritime Organisation (UK), discussed “The rationale and role of IMO Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in Europe and North America in the expansion of LNG marine vessels.”
“The Emission Control Areas, which are Baltic Sea, North Sea, North America and the Caribbean, have helped push environmental and health benefits in each of the areas, so there are commitments to reduce emissions by 25 percent through the use of gas and biodiesel,” he stated.
In this regard, Dachang Du said: “LNG as fuel for ships is attractive since it eliminates sulphur emissions, significantly reduces NOx emissions, reduces emissions of CO2 by 20-25%, and it is cheaper than fuel oil.”
Vessels and supply
On behalf DNV (Det Norske Veritas), Tony Teo spoke about the “Global status on application of LNG in the maritime industry,” with topics such as the industry’s background, drivers for LNG as fuel for ships, opportunities and hurdles, and the road to 2020 and beyond.
“There is a commitment to reduce emissions in the seas. Today, boats try to make it by slowing its speed, but they cut emissions only by 15 percent. Therefore, the solution to be analyzed is a shift to alternative fuels such as LNG,” remarked Teo.
According to DNV manager, there are currently 34 LNG-powered vessels in operation, there will be 40 in 2013 and 64 in 2014. However, he said, one of the challenges is the fuel provision, as the boats are supplied with trucks that have to travel a long way. In this regard, he explained that today there is a great opportunity for those willing to invest in LNG supply for ships, “we would need about 23 trucks to fuel a fleet of vessels,” he concluded.
Photo 2: Nils-Olof Nylund
Photo 3: Erik Neandross
Photo 4: Dachang Du
Photo 5: Tony Teo
