The cross-industry coalition SEA\\LNG has highlighted the ability of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector to meet the future emissions requirements of the global shipping industry ahead of the 70th Session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

“Independent of the timing of the IMO’s implementation of the 0.5% global sulphur cap, today LNG is already a clean, safe, practical and economically viable fuel for the shipping industry,” SEA\\LNG Chairman, Peter Keller, said.

He added that the industry is making “big steps” in creating the infrastructure to enable quick, safe and cost effective LNG bunkering in key global ports, diminishing the price premium for LNG-fuelled vessels, as well as working with regulators to establish consistent international and national regulations.

SEA\\LNG coalition, which supports the implementation of the MARPOL Annex VI for the prevention of air pollution by ships, said that it believes the implementation date decision for the marine fuel sulphur cap needs to rest with the Member States comprising the MEPC.

“LNG as a marine fuel is a proven and available solution with available technologies to meet the project needs. There are already 86 LNG-fueled ships in operation worldwide (excluding LNG carriers) and a further 95 on order,” SEA\\LNG said.