Page 30: of Marine News Magazine (December 2016)

29 31

WORKBOAT EMISSIONS & COMPLIANCE

LNG: Lagging, Not GoneLNG: Lagging, Not Gone

Samar Shipyard

Low energy prices, depressed day rates and slow growth of bunkering infra- structure has dampened progress for the marine industry’s ‘white knight’ of environmentally friendly fuels. LNG, nevertheless, is here to stay.

By Barry Parker mental improvement in an era of increasing Tier (IMO

Slow Start

Liqui? ed Natural Gas (LNG) is a clean fuel in abundant & EPA) requirements, regulatory pressure and expanding supply. The green advantages of LNG are well known: ECA’s is not going away.

Class Society DNV-GL, a pioneer in the commercializa- Early leadership on LNG came from Europe. Later to tion of LNG fueling for maritime applications, offers that the game in the North American market, where an armada use of LNG fuel provides “the complete removal of SOX and of support vessels service the oil business, Harvey Gulf particle PM emissions and a reduction of NOX emission of up Marine International LLC made the bold steps of ordering to 85% ... in addition, LNG also reduces CO2 emissions by six LNG fueled OSVs, built an LNG bunkering facility at at least 20%.” Port Fourchon, and then even bought the shipyard con-

A few years ago, any conversation about LNG fueled structing the vessels. That momentum is continuing today, vessels would invariably include some mention of the and Harvey Gulf is no longer alone. More importantly, the ‘chicken and egg’ quandary where boats ? rst need a fuel viability of this fuel for use in workboats has been shown source, and fuel infrastructure ? rst requires customers. To- to have everyday applications.

day’s operators fret about low day rates, still lower energy prices (and a tighter spread between distillates and LNG)

Ramping Up and bunkering options which are being developed, but not Chad Verret, Harvey Gulf EVP, explained to Marine- necessarily fast enough to make it convenient for everyone. News that so far, three vessels (Harvey Energy- which began

The use of LNG as a fuel nevertheless is growing, and the work in March 2015, Harvey Power and Harvey Liberty) innovation needed to foster its continued use, is certainly have already been delivered and have been on charter to keeping pace. At the same time, the need for environ- Shell. They provide logistical support for Shell production

December 2016

MN 30

MN Dec16 Layout 18-31.indd 30 MN Dec16 Layout 18-31.indd 30 11/21/2016 11:14:17 AM11/21/2016 11:14:17 AM