The use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for ships does not deliver real reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and could even worsen the climate impact of shipping, according to a new report by the NGO the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), published on Tuesday 28 January.
This document reveals that, over twenty years, using LNG instead of traditional marine diesel (MGO) emits between 70 and 82% more GHGs, depending on the engine technology.
Furthermore, according to the ICCT, over a 100-year period, using LNG instead of MGO will only reduce emissions by 15%, and only if ships use high-pressure injection dual fuel (HPDF) engines and if upstream methane emissions are adequately controlled.
However, these two conditions are far from being met at present, the NGO stresses.
Welcoming the findings of the report, Lucy Gilliam, a member of the NGO Transport & Environment, called LNG "a waste of public money ", while calling on the EU to invest in real climate solutions such as ship and port electrification, hydrogen and wind power.
To view the report: https://bit.ly/2RwiDxC (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)