A report led by UCL-Energy researchers criticising European Union policies to encourage the shipping industry to replace heavy fuel oil with liquid natural gas (LNG) has received widespread industry media coverage.
The study, from leading shipping consultancy University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS), estimates that the EU has, to date, directly spent $250 million on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in the marine sector, providing 50% partnership funding with the private sector to support a total of $500 million investment.
This half-billion of spending will have no significant climate benefits at best, and could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, a conclusion in line with leading research in the field, the study finds, making LNG incapable of achieving the reductions required under the recently adopted International Maritime Organisation (IMO) strategy on reducing GHG emissions from ships.
UMAS is one of the most respected specialist consultancies in the shipping sector, drawing on the world-leading research of the UCL-Energy’s shipping team.
Media coverage includes:
‘EU investment in LNG bunkering ‘could increase emissions’’
Lloyd’s List
‘UCL questions benefits of LNG shipping drive’
TradeWinds
’GHG Savings of Only 6% Makes LNG Bunkers a “$22bn Distraction”’
Ship & Bunker
‘LNG as a ship fuel branded a ‘$22bn distraction for EU shipping”
Splash24/7
‘Ny rapport langer hårdt ud efter EU’s fokus på LNG’
Shippingwatch