Many new ships are being built to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). LNG is primarily methane, but it also contains small amounts of ethane, propane and other hydrocarbons. LNG can also contain trace amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Although produced from underground resources LNG contains far less carbon than other fossil fuels.

Compared to diesel LNG will cut the emissions of CO2 by approximately 25%, other greenhouse gasses by approximately 20%, NOx by 90% and SOx by 99%.

Specialist training is needed to handle LNG and facilities have to be provided in ports to bunker LNG propelled ships.

Wartsila quoted that, “LNG is already playing a significant role in the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner fuels. Its lower emissions and increasing availability make an LNG fuel system an attractive option for many shipowners. As the industry works towards the IMO’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, LNG is seen as a transition fuel, paving the way for the adoption of alternative fuels like green methanol and carbon-free green ammonia. This makes investing in flexible dual-fuel engine technology the safest path forward, using LNG as a first step towards a carbon-free future”.

This is good news for the environment and will go a long way to reduce pollution caused by many ships using older traditional fuels.