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

Earlier this month, MV Harvey Energy became the first vessel in N. America to run exclusively on natural gas when it entered into service for Shell. Photo courtesy Harvey Gulf International Marine

International classification society ABS has released updated guidance on LNG Bunkering in North America as the transport sector continues its rapid transition to cleaner burning fuels in response to new emissions regulations.

ABS released the second edition of Bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas-fueled Marine Vessels in North America on Tuesday, building on the first edition published in March 2014. The guidance offers new advice to shipowners and operators who may be looking to develop bunkering infrastructure to match the growing demand for LNG as a marine fuel.

“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,” said 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 in the second edition include lessons learned from first adopters of LNG-fueled vessels and LNG bunkering projects, a ‘project roadmap’ guide of the associated regulatory, stakeholder and technical issues and an in depth port directory highlighting ongoing projects and local development processes.

Since establishing its Global Gas Solutions team in August 2013, ABS has been awarded several precedent-setting contracts, including classification contracts for the world’s first LNG-fueled containership, North America’s first LNG barge, the world’s first very large ethane carrier, the world’s first compressed natural gas carrier and the first dual-fueled OSV built in North America that just recently entered into service in 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, said. “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.”