Charles Dubouix Last update 23/06/2023
Alternative Fuels : Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
Key take-aways
LNG stands for Liquified Natural Gas. LNG is an alternative maritime fuel. It reduces CO2 emissions by 25% and almost entirely eliminates other air pollutants such as SOx, NOx, and PM10.
CMA-CGM offers the most mature LNG offering.
LNG is available on all CMA trades, with no operational constraints thanks to the Book And Claim Scheme.
LNG remains a fossil fuel, so it is a transitional fuel.
Going Further
LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) is the liquid state of natural gas (fossil) when cooled to about -162 degrees Celsius. At this temperature dramatically reduce its volume, to a 1/600th of its original volume and enable better transportation and storage.
LNG significantly reduces emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. It can cut sulfur emissions by 100%, particulate matter emissions by 85-95%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 85-90%. However, while it emits 25% less CO2 than other fossil fuels, it's not a zero-carbon solution.
Contrary to Biofuels, which are drop-in solutions (no need to invest in new infrastructure nor engines) the adoption of LNG requires substantial investment in infrastructure, such as LNG bunkering facilities and specialized engines for ships. These upfront costs can be a barrier.
The LNG provided by OVRSEA is a fossil-based LNG, thus not a Bio-LNG. Carrier : CMA-CGM