Multi-sector industry coalition SEA/LNG last week launched a new free-to-access online tool to improve understanding of the current, rapidly evolving, liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering infrastructure landscape.
This as the 2020 0.5% sulphur cap is edging ever closer and shipowners have limited options – LNG, scrubbers or low sulphur fuels – to choose from in order to comply with the cap.
“SEA/LNG believes that demonstrating – through the newly launched Bunker Navigator Tool – that LNG bunkering infrastructure is available globally and is continually developing will support shipowners’ investments in LNG-fuelled ships,” said SEA/LNG chairman Peter Keller.
He stated that a key barrier to the sustainability of LNG as a marine fuel was the general lack of understanding of current and forthcoming LNG bunkering infrastructure.
“What we sought to achieve with the Bunker Navigator Tool is a quick, easy-to-access platform that includes relevant, up-to-date, and free-to-access information on LNG infrastructure and bunker development,” he said.
According to SEA/LNG, the bunker navigator is a map-based tool which utilises member, marine information services, and publicly available data to provide easy access to the latest developments while offering an overview of how it relates to major global shipping routes and traditional oil bunkering ports.
Keller pointed out that today LNG was available in bulk at 150 locations worldwide, with nine out of the ten top ports offering LNG bunkering – or planning to do so by 2020.
“The reality is that LNG bunkering infrastructure is expanding at pace, and with the launch of the Bunker Navigator Tool, SEA/LNG hopes to raise awareness of, and build industry confidence in, the rapidly growing availability of LNG bunkering,” he added.
