DNV GL Says No Showstoppers to Marine LNG Adoption

Classification Society DNV GL has prepared for the EU a report that provides recommendations on

how to address barriers to wider adoption of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. The

report is presented in the context of air emission requirements becoming more stringent; by

November 2016 all member states have to submit national policy frameworks for the

implementation of the EU alternative fuels Directive. The report is described as a useful aid in this.

Two key barriers to take-up of LNG as ship fuel are the gaps in the legislative or regulatory

framework, and the lack of harmonized standards. DNV GL has undertaken an analysis and

evaluation identifying the remaining gaps for completing an EU-wide framework for marine LNG

distribution, bunkering and use.

The report1 is part of the high profile “Study on the completion of an EU framework on LNG-fuelled

ships and its relevant fuel provision infrastructure” commissioned by the European Commission,

Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE).

DNV GL’s report builds on a study commissioned by EMSA2. It provides an overview of currently

applicable standards, rules and regulations governing the maritime LNG supply chain, a gap analysis

identifying the gaps in the current regulatory framework in order to make LNG bunkering and LNG

fuelled vessels feasible in the EU, a set of recommendations addressing the gaps identified, and an

impact assessment of the prioritized recommendations and actions.

“DNV GL’s assessment of the existing rules, standards and guidelines shows that from a legal point of

view, there are no remaining major showstoppers for the use of LNG as fuel – both for seagoing

vessels and inland waterway vessels – nor for the deployment of LNG bunker facilities,” says Martin

Layfield, global segment leader of the Gas Value Chain, DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

“In November members states will have to submit their national policy frameworks using the

report’s recommendations. DNV GL has advised the EU to implement a low/ moderate

harmonization scenario as the most workable policy option which will enable member states to

transpose the Directive on alternative fuels with a ‘light touch’. This will reduce effort in

implementation, delays and administrative burden while still enabling standardization,” he

continues.

“The next three decades will see substantial increase in energy demand. At the same time, a big part

of the world expects the energy to be greener, more reliable and more affordable. This is what we

refer to as the energy ‘trilemma’. Natural gas has a key role to play in the future energy mix and

Europe will continue to be a significant import hub for LNG,” says Liv Hovem, regional manager,

Continental Europe, North and East Africa for DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

“DNV GL is already driving harmonization through a Recommended Practice for LNG bunkering and

is well placed to support member states as well as port authorities and the wider industry with

guidance on adopting the guidance into their own legislation, in much the same way as we are doing

with the industry on the EU Offshore Directive,” she continues.

DNV GL has recently published a “Recommended Practice for Development and Operation of LNG

Bunkering Facilities”, the first industry guidance on securing a high level of safety, integrity and

reliability in the design and operations of LNG bunkering facilities”.

DNV GL also contributed to the EU report on Creating Awareness on LNG Risks and Opportunities,

with PwC as main contributor.

NGS INDIA