Wärtsilä forms coalition to promote the use of LNG as a marine fuel

Wärtsilä has announced that it has formed a coalition alongside a number of other marine industry players to speed up the widespread use of LNG as marine fuel. The coalition, which is known as SEA/LNG, will aim to break down the obstacles to the development of the fuel on a global scale.

Other partners in the coalition include Carnival Corp., DNV-GL, ENGIE, ENN Group, GE Marine, Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), Lloyd’s Register (LR), Mitsubishi, NYK Line, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell Downstream and Tote. Each member has mutually agreed to provide human resources, data analysis, and knowledge sharing in support of the coalition’s activities.

The coalition will largely focus on the following:

• Supporting the development of LNG bunkering in major ports.
• Educating stakeholders about the various opportunities and risks involved in the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
• Developing consistent regulations for cleaner shipping fuels.

The Vice President, Flow & Gas Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, Timo Koponen, said: “This is a strong coalition combining the expertise of major fleet owners, classification societies, port facilities, and energy experts. Wärtsilä contributes its vast experience and know-how in gas driven propulsion systems and the entire gas value chain. By working together, we plan to overcome the challenges and speed the general acceptance of LNG. Having been a pioneer in the use of LNG as a marine fuel, and a developer of major technologies facilitating the adoption of LNG fuel, it is natural that Wärtsilä supports wholeheartedly the aims of the SEA/LNG coalition.”

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/13072016/wartsila-forms-coalition-to-promote-the-use-of-lng-as-a-marine-fuel-2741/