On 6 November, ABS Greater China Division President and COO Eric Kleess attended the World Shipping (China) Summit 2014 held in Chongqing, and delivered a speech titled “LNG Fuel Ready Alternatives” as part of the Industrial Insight session.
Kleess described the feasibility of LNG fuel as an alternative, noting that the increased use of LNG as a marine fuel is being driven by both environmental compliance and potential fuel cost savings. The economic benefit of using LNG as a fuel has become an attractive option to shipowners, who must comply with stricter emissions requirements around the world. While the trend is apparent, there are challenges and uncertainties, such as a scarcity of fuel infrastructure, the absence of related regulations, and the need for standards for vessels and fuel. All of these have caused owners to delay making the decision to switch to LNG fuel or to place orders for new LNG-fueled ships.
As an interim solution, the LNG Fuel Ready design has been welcomed by many in the shipping industry. Kleess explained that the design concept can differ from ship to ship, which in the reason the new ABS Guide for LNG Fuel Ready Vessels outlines provisions for new ships and a reinforced structure under the deck to house the storage tank and associated systems so the ship can be equipped to use LNG as fuel sometime after delivery. Additional factors such as bunkering systems and engine selection should be fully considered, Kleess said, to meet environmental, economic and operational demand.
The summit, with the theme of “Adapting to New Norms,” was held 5-7 November. More than 700 delegates from international organizations, shipping, shipbuilding and ports attended.
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