SEA\LNG calls for compliance and enforcement commitment

In the statement, the coalition claims that it recognises that Port State Authorities have a clear obligation under the governing treaties to ensure even handed and consistent enforcement of the IMO regulations. Although enforcement has also been difficult, SEA\LNG claims that now is the time for all IMO members to understand the importance of this regulation, and make sure that it is implemented and enforced as envisioned.

SEA\LNG recognises that shipowners today are operating in a challenging economic environment amid stringent and increasing environmental regulations. Before deciding how to comply with the global sulfur cap of 0.5% (from 2020 onwards), shipowners have to make sure that these decisions will remain viable in the future. Their limited options include scrubbers, low sulfur fuels or LNG.

Peter Keller, the Chairman of SEA\LNG, said: “Shipping has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact from harmful emissions, but more needs to be done. All parties, especially the Port State Authorities must play their part. Effective and consistent enforcement, across all jurisdictions of the IMO emissions regulations, will be essential to ensure more environmentally friendly shipping and a level playing field for all shipping companies. Flag states and port authorities have a clear and key responsibility in ensuring compliance. If we do not collectively commit to compliance and enforcement, then we will continue to miss a tangible and viable opportunity to eradicate harmful emissions such as Sulfur Oxide (SO_x), Nitrogen Oxide (NO_x), and Particulate Matter (PM). This seems unacceptable given the opportunity we have readily at hand.”

SEA\LNG also noted that, in addressing the main concerns of cost and compliance, LNG as a marine fuel is a way of negating both current and (possible) future local emissions challenges, and is a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transportation.

Keller added: “LNG far exceeds alternative options in terms of emissions reductions. It emits zero sulfur oxides (SO_x) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG emits 90% less nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and through the use of best current practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in GHGs. Advancements in dual fuel technology and propulsion, enhanced control systems, and future use of gas turbine technologies present further opportunity for increased GHG reductions.”

The coalition claims that the energy transition is now moving in a clear direction. The majority of world’s top 10 bunkering ports provide LNG bunkering operations, or have plans to provide such operations by 2020. As the bunker market develops, there is already a drive to meet demand for LNG as a marine fuel at these ports, as well as at other crucial locations. By the end of the year, SEA\LNG claims that six LNG bunker vessels will be operational (at the beginning of the year, there was just one). These vessels are crucial to scaling up demand for LNG as a marine fuel and delivering fuel in a ‘normal’ way for shipowners. In addition to this, new bunkering hubs are being developed, which will leverage existing bulk LNG infrastructure.

Keller said: “LNG will be one of a portfolio of solutions going forward to help lower emissions, creating a more sustainable future for shipping. We recognise that there are barriers and limitations, but we are confident that by working together, we can overcome these hurdles as the industry has always done in the past. We do, however, require a greater sense of urgency and commitment.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/03082017/sealng-calls-for-compliance-and-enforcement-commitment/