• 25 Nov 2019

The use of LNG as a bunker fuel is expected to grow sharply in the coming years, the IEA said in its World Energy Outlook 2019.

The use of LNG in international shipping is expected to reach 50 bn m³/yr of equivalent pipeline gas (39 mn t/yr of LNG) by 2040 from less than 1 bn m³/yr (777,000 t/yr) at present, according to the IEA's Stated Policies Scenario, which focuses on policies and regulations already implemented or announced.

The IMO 2020 sulphur cap, which comes into force on 1 January, has spurred market interest in LNG as an alternative to heavy fuel oil in maritime transport, with 130 new LNG-fuelled ships on order at present (this represents a doubling of the existing fleet). Two-thirds of these are due to be based in Europe, where bunkering infrastructure is the most developed, the IEA said. Burning LNG as a bunker fuel could achieve  a 20pc reduction in CO2-equivalent direct emissions from the maritime sector.

LNG bunkering demand could reach 100 bn m³ (78mn t/yr) of gas by 2050 if the IMO initial trategy to cut greenhouse gases by at least half compared with 2008 levels is to be met.

Source: Globalgasmobility