LNG EQUIPMENTUnlocking NewLNG Transfer PossibilitiesCredit: TrelleborgCryogenic hose technology is driving a rethink of LNG transfer in bunkering – and beyond.By Vincent Lagarrigueany backers of LNG as a marine fuel, as well marine diesel oil (MDO) distillates.as wider industry stakeholders, have for a while A recent report sheds light on just how dramatic this growth M now suggested that it will soon enjoy exponen- could be. Energias Market Research says the market for LNG tial growth as a future bunker fuel. There are several factors bunkering will increase in value from US$825m in 2016 to behind this; the increasing number of emissions control areas nearly US$25bn by 2023 – that’s a compound annual growth (ECAs) requiring bunker fuel of 0.1% Sulphur (SOx) to be rate of more than 62%.burnt near coastal areas where the burning of dirtier heavy fuel Nevertheless, and despite these headline fgures, LNG oil (HFO) is forbidden. Most crucially, however, and undoubt- will still only represent a fraction of global bunker fuel sup-edly the catalyst for such signifcant forecast growth, is the plies. So, why is this? Speaking after the naming ceremony impending introduction of a ‘global sulphur cap’ in 2020 that of Shell’s dedicated LNG bunker vessel, the Cardissa, Shell will require all vessels to burn less than 0.5% sulphur marine LNG Fuel General Manager Lauran Wetemans said that the fuel – spurring ship owners and operators around the world marine LNG sector had the potential to be ‘disruptive’ – just to look for compliant alternatives to marine gasoil (MGO) or as the electric-powered car industry is disrupting existing sup-60 Maritime Logistics Professional November/December 2017| |