Viking Grace – the world’s largest gas fuelled ferry – now in operation
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has released a Gas Technology Report about Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel for ships. The report features LNG carrier design, LNG-as-fuel, LNG bunkering, offshore LNG, also LPG shipping. It recognises the gathering pace of fuel uptake and addresses the challenges which lie as much in safe bunkering and port operations as in ship design: LNG bunkering guidance is one of the key subjects addressed.
“It has been a big year so far for gas in shipping,” comments Luis Benito, LR’s Global Marine Marketing Manager. “We are seeing robust demand for LNG carriers; the world’s biggest LNG fuelled passenger ship, the LR classed Viking Grace is now in operation in the Baltic Sea carrying 2,800 passengers; we have a growing number of gas-as-fuel projects underway or maturing; and late last month Shell took delivery of a brand new inland waterway tanker. Our marine stakeholders are looking to understand how to manage the risks involved with gas. We have the experience and the expertise to help them make informed decisions whether they are looking for off-the-shelf solutions or first principles.”
As the Viking Grace operations show, the port operations are as important as those on-board ship. The 12-month LNG bunkering infrastructure study completed by Lloyd’s Register aims to help clients draft plans for future emission compliance. Equally significant, it will help to foster the future design and technology of propulsion systems in the global shipping industry.
A major part of the study is an interactive LNG bunker demand model.
“This is a critical area,” says Benito. “When you have large centres of population and passenger and freight operations underway, all stakeholders need to get themselves in a position where they can make commercial decisions on the basis that they have addressed the risks involved. Having been involved with LNG in marine operations from the very beginning, we are well positioned to advise all in the marine supply chain – whether you are looking to transport LNG or LPG, use gas as a marine fuel or examining safe bunkering and port operations – we can help.”
The report is available for download.
(Source: Lloyd’s Register)
