Is LNG the solution for decarbonised shipping?

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Paris Agreement has exerted tremendous pressure on the maritime industry to reduce carbon emissions. Since then, the industry has experimented with numerous technological, operational and incentive methods. Even though todate no concrete method or technology has proven to be a potent decarbonisation candidate, using LNG as a bunker fuel has shown some positive prospects in the reduction of atmospheric pollution. While the induction of LNG has been driven by a combination of environmental benefits and attractive fuel prices, especially for new construction, its actual use has received mixed acceptance. These mixed reactions have created a general sense of uncertainty about the benefits LNG can provide towards decarbonisation that has resulted in unease within the maritime shipping industry. Using desk-based qualitative research, the author analyses LNG as a possible fuel to achieve decarbonisation by the maritime shipping industry. In doing so, the evolving controversies associated with acceptance of LNG as a decarbonising fuel to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement have been analysed. Eventually, the future of LNG as an alternate fuel for the maritime shipping industry is evaluated and the role LNG can play as a future bunker fuel for decarbonisation of the maritime shipping industry is discussed.

Keywords

• LNG
• methane
• decarbonisation
• international maritime organisation