Proposals for faster, wider adoption of LNG as marine fuel in Europe

DNV GL has provided a report for the EU giving recommendations on how to address barriers to wider adoption of LNG. By November 2016 all member states have to submit national policy frameworks for the implementation of the EU alternative fuels Directive; the report’s recommendations are 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 report is part of the high profile “Study on the completion of an EU framework on LNG-fueled 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 EMSA. 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 fueled 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,” said 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. We have advised the EU to implement a low/moderate harmonization scenario as the most workable policy option which will enable members 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 added.

https://www.ngvjournal.com/proposals-for-a-faster-wider-adoption-of-lng-as-marine-fuel-in-europe/