ABS Releases Updated Guidance on LNG Fuel and Bunkering in North America

International classification society ABS has launched up to date steering on LNG Bunkering in North America because the transport sector continues its speedy transition to cleaner burning fuels in response to new emissions laws.

ABS launched the second version of Bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas-fueled Marine Vessels in North America on Tuesday, constructing on the primary version revealed in March 2014. The steering presents new recommendation to shipowners and operators who could also be trying to develop bunkering infrastructure to match the rising demand for LNG as a marine gas.

“As the demand for LNG-fueled vessels and the supporting infrastructure continues to grow, ABS continues to offer the industries we serve with up-to-date information derived from the latest projects and our intimate knowledge of the evolving regulatory landscape in North America,” stated Patrick Janssens, ABS’ Vice President, Global Gas Solutions. “Both the marine and offshore industries are committed to using cleaner fuels, and we are committed to supporting our clients and members with that technical transition.”

Major updates within the second version embody classes realized from first adopters of LNG-fueled vessels and LNG bunkering initiatives, a ‘project roadmap’ information of the related regulatory, stakeholder and technical points and an in depth port listing highlighting ongoing initiatives and native improvement processes.

Since establishing its Global Gas Solutions staff in August 2013, ABS has been awarded a number of precedent-setting contracts, together with classification contracts for the world’s first LNG-fueled containership, North America’s first LNG barge, the world’s first very giant ethane provider, the world’s first compressed pure fuel provider and the primary dual-fueled OSV inbuilt North America that only recently entered into service within the Gulf of Mexico..

“This report captures our diverse practical knowledge in the gas sector and many of the lessons learned since our first edition a year ago. It is a valuable tool to those companies considering using or supplying LNG for fuel,” Roy Bleiberg, Director of Global Gas Solutions at ABS, stated. “While it may not be suitable for everyone, LNG should be considered as a fuel source by all industry. It’s not only suitable for companies interested in the potential economic benefits or those whose ships will be trading in emissions control areas; it is also for those companies who are keen to establish and promote their environmental stewardship.”