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LNG bunkering poised for a bright future


by Craig Jallal

The global LNG bunkering sector is set for transformative growth as the shipping industry embraces LNG as a transitional fuel in the decarbonisation journey. With more than 1,000 LNG-fuelled vessels on order and a burgeoning demand for alternative marine fuels, industry stakeholders are grappling with the need to scale infrastructure, harmonise standards and improve operational efficiency. Speaking at the LNG Shipping & Terminals Conference 2024 in London, industry leaders, including representatives from Avenir LNG and Bureau Veritas, underscored the challenges and opportunities in this evolving market."LNG demand is expected to more than double by 2027, reaching up to 12M tonnes annually," noted Bureau Veritas sustainable shipping - commercial department manager Julien Boulland. He noted the urgent need for an expanded bunkering fleet, estimating "eight additional LNG bunkering vessels (per year) will be required to meet projected demand. "Adding a regional perspective, Sohar Port and Freezone chief executive Emile Hoogsteden highlighted the Middle East’s growing role in LNG bunkering. As an existing port, Sohar is actively developing its LNG bunkering infrastructure to meet rising demand and aims to position itself as a key player in the global LNG supply chain. “Our focus is on ensuring the infrastructure supports both immediate needs and future scalability,” he remarked.LNG bunkering safety and training were central to discussions, with operators raising concerns about crew readiness.

“The current training regime, often limited to simulations and a single real-world operation, falls short of preparing crews for the complexities of LNG bunkering,” cautioned Smit Lamnalco LNG business and project development director Andrew Brown. He advocated for expanded certification programmes and practical training at shipyards to bridge this gap. Amid these challenges, LNG continues to maintain its appeal due to favourable pricing and availability. Mr Boulland pointed to the decreasing price differential between LNG and traditional fuels, noting, “The narrowing price gap is a positive sign for LNG adoption. "However, experts also highlighted the need for technological advancements to manage operational challenges, such as ensuring uniform calorific values across bunkering locations.


Source : Riviera Maritime Media

 

 

 

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