LNG to play key role in shipping decarbonisation, ABS chief says

LNG will play a key role in handling “the short-term energy security challenge and the longer-term energy transition,” classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) chairman and chief executive Christopher J. Wiernicki says.

PHOTO: ABS chairman and chief executive Christopher J. Wiernicki addresses the Liquefied Gas and Alternative Fuels Senior Executive Forum. ABS

At the Liquefied Gas and Alternative Fuels Senior Executive Forum, Wiernicki highlighted the importance of LNG in achieving shipping decarbonisation. However, he pointed out the challenge of methane slip in LNG-fuelled vessels and that the technologies to handle it are under development.

Carbon content in using LNG is another challenge for shipping, he says.

According to him, LNG has substantial potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of shipping through bio-LNG and carbon capture technologies.

“Liquefied biomethane, or bio-LNG, a carbon neutral fuel produced from sustainable biomass resources, has the potential to meet a significant portion of future shipping energy demand”, he adds.

Wiernicki suggests that bio-LNG can be used as a “drop-in fuel in existing LNG-fueled engines” and “transported, stored and bunkered in ports using the existing LNG infrastructure.”

By Shilpa Sharma

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