WWF supports LNG for Arctic shipping

A study commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Canada on the use of marine fuel alternatives in the Canadian Arctic has found that the risks of using heavy fuel oil (HFO) for shipping operations could be reduced by switching to LNG.

David Miller, President and CEO of WWF Canada, explained: “Of all the marine fuel options, heavy fuel oil is the most polluting and will cause the most damage in the event of a spill. The Arctic environment is so fragile and unpredictable that we must do better.”

Diesel vs LNG

The study, Fuel Alternatives for Arctic Shipping, was commissioned by WWF-Canada and conducted by Vard Marine. The study assessed the environmental impacts of HFO, diesel, and LNG, and also compared ship design, fuel consumption, and the economic aspects of each marine fuel option.

The study found that the use of LNG reduced pollutants by up to 97%, while greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by up to 25%. There was also a significant reduction in the risk of environmental damage from spills.

Switch to LNG

WWF looks to organisations including the International Marine Organization (IMO) to amend the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) to reflect the need to switch to LNG. The IMO has already banned the use and carriage of HFO in the Antarctic, and similarly, Norway has banned the use in select waters.

Miller added: “It’s our hope that the next edition of the Polar Code will include the phasing out and eventual ban of HFO-fuelled ships in the Arctic. For now we will look to both governments and industry to put nature first and make the right choice for the protection of the Arctic environment.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/03062015/wwf-study-encourages-use-of-lng-879/