Liquified natural gas as marine bunker : feasibility and future prospects

• Main Author: Soh, Sze Ning
• Other Authors: Okan Duru
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies::Maritime management and business; DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies::Maritime science and technology; DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Alternative, renewable energy sources
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/75095
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The idea of LNG is novel, yet not as novel as the industry has been perceiving. As the deadline for the global sulphur cap 2020 draws closer, LNG has been constantly brought into the picture as an alternative fuel that could be used to meet the sulphur limits within the ECAs. The paper serves to highlight the importance of bunkering infrastructures and how it will affect the adoption rate of LNG in the industry. Drivers and restraints affecting the feasibility of LNG as a marine fuel are also pointed out and analysed through a Force Field Analysis. Research gathered from readings and insights from the industry players have evident that the restraining forces towards the uptake of LNG would decline in the coming years and LNG as a marine fuel would be more prevalent in the industry. Additionally, a brief analysis on Singapore’s position, as the MARPOL Annex VI regulation on global sulphur cap comes into force starting from 1st of January 2020, would be discussed. As the world’s top bunkering hub, Singapore has also been looking into LNG bunkering and areas where she could tap on to place herself in a competitive position in view of this regulation. Ports in Singapore are still waiting for the signs of demand to justify for the investments in LNG terminals. Meanwhile, the recent completion of a LNG terminal expansion project in SLNG terminal has signalled how Singapore is preparing to develop the LNG business in Singapore.