Consequences of using LNG as a marine fuel

The paper presents the consequences of LNG usage as a marine fuel. The restrictions of harmful substances emission to atmosphere from marine engines, especially in controlled emission areas (ECA and SECA areas) of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, forces the engine makers to use additional installations, which operation may fulfill the purification requirements of exhaust gases. The option is a usage gaseous fuels, especially liquid natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). There is no an alternative – only gaseous fuels may fulfill the Tier3 level without exhaust gases purification process. In prognosis about 650 ships (in high scenario about 2000) will be fuelled LNG in the year 2025. It was written why the liquid fuels stay unattractive. The basic problem is still the limited network of LNG distribution in ports and the lack of small vessels or barges for LNG bunkering. The proposition of design of LNG tank and barges were presented. The next problem is a deficiency of LNG bunker port in deep sea before entering the ECA areas. The controlled emission areas will extend in the near future. The LNG or CNG seemed to be the preferring fuel in industry due to CO2 emission limits and environmental taxes. The demand for LNG in prognosis to 2025 in bunker ports varies 0.1-18% of total fuel bunker depending on legislation and low or high case, in base case it will be 3%. It depends on the conviction of ship-owners that is no return from transition to the LNG or CNG ship fuelling. The examples to LNG ship conversion were described.