LNG for ship propulsion

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a cleaner fuel than traditional fuel types used to power vessels, e.g. diesel. Some new-built ferries are designed to be fuelled on LNG. LNG to be used as marine fuel is stored in large onshore tanks in the marine LNG facilities and can be distributed on small volumes to the ferries by barges. The LNG storage tanks constitute the main elements of the marine LNG facilities.

Reduced emissions compared to diesel and heavy fuel oil

LNG is a promising fuel for ships. With lower emissions than regular marine diesel oil of SO_x, NO_x and CO₂, LNG is a climate friendly alternative to marine diesel oil and heavy fuel oil. Emissions of SO_x, NO_x and particulate matter (PM) are reduced with more than 80 percent and CO₂ with 15-25 per cent, compared to emissions from running on residual oil.

With the establishment of the Baltic Sea and parts of the North Sea as an Emission Control Area (ECA), LNG is believed to enter the scene here quickly as a fuel for ship propulsion.

Liquefied natural gas takes up about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in its gaseous state which makes it possible to transport it from remote locations to markets worldwide

Incentives for selecting LNG propulsion

The current low prices of natural gas and LNG provide a further incentive for ship owners to switch fuel. Many new-built ferries and ships are prepared for LNG propulsion, and ships have been running on LNG for many years. Thus, the technology is mature and well proven.

Installations must be built on the ship and in the port when introducing LNG as a fuel. Dimensioning the storage capacity, demand forecast and market analysis are among the first tasks to consider. Then follow the technical design of the facilities and civil works in the port, environmental and risk assessments, and finally construction and supervision of the building site.