LNG: a marine fuel for the future

The use of LNG as a marine fuel has taken on added significance as a result of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) stringent requirements concerning emissions from ships. In order to comply with the new limits of emissions, the shipping industry is looking for new, more sustainable fuels and technologies. LNG is considered one of the most economical and realistic solutions, as it offers significant environmental advantages over well-known traditional fuels for ships. Indeed, LNG-powered ships readily comply with the highest emission standards. In recent years, and even months, the transition to LNG in the shipping industry has been increasingly gaining momentum. As a result, more and more LNG fuel systems are needed.

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The safe and convenient onboard storage and handling of LNG is a primary concern of Cryonorm as it delivers its range of marine LNG fuel systems. The growing market potential for gas-fuelled vessels is the company’s main motivation to develop and market a standard range of high quality marine LNG fuel systems for seagoing vessels, as well as inland waterway barges.

Marine LNG fuel systems

Cryonorm’s marine LNG fuel system is a complete fuel gas handling system for LNG-fuelled ships. The system includes:

• One or more Type C vacuum-insulated LNG fuel tanks.
• LNG bunker stations.
• A tank connection space (TCS) containing water-heated vaporisers (pressure build up and product vaporisers), LNG and gas processing equipment.
• Control and monitoring systems.
• An intermediate heat system.
• All required double-walled (vacuum-insulated if required) LNG and natural gas pipelines.
• The main LNG/gas processing equipment.

Cryonorm ensures its LNG fuel systems are designed and built in accordance with the latest IGF/IGC, IMO and classification society rules. The main LNG/gas processing equipment, installed inside the TCS, guarantees correct gas temperature, flow and pressure for the engines and other gas consuming components. As an independent supplier, Cryonorm is able to design LNG fuel systems for all engine types.

Bunkering LNG to storage tanks

LNG is bunkered through bunkerstations installed onboard ships. From the bunkerstation, the LNG is transported through special stainless steel cryogenic pipelines, double-walled vacuum or conventionally insulated, to the TCS. The bunkerstation consists of cryogenic breakaway and dry connection couplings, a stainless steel drip tray and local tank pressure/level monitoring. The automatically regulated top-and-bottom tank filling maintains a constant tank pressure during bunkering. The Cryonorm bunkerstation is tailor-made, skid mounted and can be supplied with optional additional bunkerconnections, vapour return connections and a SIGTTO 5-PIN electronic ESD link.

This article is an abridged version from the December issue of LNG Industry. The complete article can be read here.

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Understanding LNG as a marine fuel

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is increasingly being adopted as a fuel for shipping due to its potential to significantly reduce emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional marine fuels.

The maritime industry is exploring LNG as part of its strategy to move towards greener and more sustainable operations. This shift is driven by the need to comply with international regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships and the industry’s commitment to environmental goals.

Advantages LNG fuelled ships

The use of LNG as a marine fuel offers several benefits, including reduced Emissions: LNG combustion produces lower levels of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO). LNG also meets the emission standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the global sulphur cap and the Emission Control Areas requirements. 

LNG has a high energy content per unit volume, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency and longer voyages between refuelling. The development of LNG bunkering infrastructure is expanding, providing greater accessibility for ships to refuel at major ports worldwide.

The future of LNG shipping fuel: Bunkering safety and future outlook

Ship designs and engine technologies are evolving to accommodate LNG fuel systems, including considerations for storage, safety, and handling of cryogenic LNG. However, the initial investment for LNG-powered ships and the retrofitting of existing vessels can also be significant factors to consider. 

LNG is a potential transitional fuel as the industry looks towards a carbon-neutral future. Advances in bio-LNG and synthetic LNG could align with the IMO’s long-term greenhouse gas reduction strategy. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Marine LNG Fuel Storage Tank. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.