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www.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 43install technology, we want to put technology in that we feel will withstand the test of time.? There are other ways to increase ef ciency and sustainabil- ity, but after thorough investigation, Barker said the company decided its most attractive option was an LNG repower, espe- cially when planning for the onset of additional ECA regula- tions. ?We looked at technologies of all kinds: scrubbers, num- ber two diesel, using compliant fuels and other alternatives,? Barker said, adding, ?We were trying to look at the technology from a long term point of view, looking further than just a few years. Scrubbers would help us become compliant, but LNG would exceed compliance, utilizing a lower cost fuel than just using ultra low sulphur diesel and still be able to provide a reliable, low-cost transportation to our customers.? He added, ?Fuel is a large impact cost of our business. And at the same time we want to make sure we are minimizing our effects on the environment. It was those two drivers that came together to make this work.? Trailblazing Even with the potential bene ts, Barker pointed out that there are still inherent risks involved. ?We?re a privately held com- pany,? he said, ?and we?re taking on a large endeavor by being a leader in the LNG sector, in the U.S. and especially in the Great lakes.? Trailblazing a project of this magnitude places some uncertainty in the hands of the shipowner. After all, LNG infrastructure is yet to be developed on the Great Lakes, and LNG ships of such scale simply have not been operated there. Additionally, there is  nancial risk. Barker did not want to address capital investments, but a Great Lakes Maritime Insti- tute study found capital costs for LNG bulk carriers to be 15- 20% higher on average than those of non-LNG ships. Barker did say that Interlake is constantly searching for ways to reduce the  nancial risk, either by  nding ways to offset ECA effects or investigating the possibility of clean energy grant money. One thing is certain: Interlake and Shell have the power to change Great Lakes operations on a very large scale over the coming years. Barker believes that if everything goes as planned, Interlake?s reward will be large and its impacts will be far-reaching. ?This is an important project,? Barker said. ?We?re helping to bring LNG to the Great lakes as a fuel source, not only for ships, but other modes of transportation.? Interlake?s project is not only a signi cant step for shipping, but also for the United States, Barker added, ?We?re supplying North America with raw materials from the U.S. to the U.S. plants using U.S. ships and now we?re going to use U.S. fuel. Once the concept is proven, it will be much likelier that other companies would look at converting or [using LNG] as a fuel source.? At that point, Barker insists, ?I think a lot of the risk will be taken out of it.? Scheduled to speak at SHIPPINGInsight 2013 in Stamford, CT in October, Interlake Steam- ship CEO Mark Barker will be featured on the Fuel and Propulsion Management panel. The panel will address the latest investments and challenges with LNG bunkering, ef ciencies of LNG dual fuel design and the impacts of LNG training on ef cient ship operations, among other fuel and LNG topics. www.shippinginsight.com/event-registration/ Barker to Address SHIPPINGInsight MP #3 34-49.indd 43MP #3 34-49.indd 439/10/2013 11:15:35 AM9/10/2013 11:15:35 AM