Classification society DNV GL has issued a new white paper to assist maritime transport players in preparing for the upcoming Global Sulphur Cap, which is due to come into effect on January 1, 2020.
The white paper, ‘Alternative fuels and technologies for greener shipping’, has assessed a range of alternative fuels and technologies.
It has also examined the price, availability, regulatory challenges and environmental benefits of alternative fuels and technologies, including LNG, LPG, hydrogen, fuel cells, and hybrid and battery technologies, and comparing them to the use of conventional fuel with scrubbers and new low sulphur alternatives.
The technologies and fuels also include methanol, biofuel and wind-assisted propulsion.
Trond Hodne, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing Director at DNV GL – Maritime, said: “The incoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) sulphur cap on emissions from shipping could have a significant effect on the maritime industry, and it has the potential to be a game changer for alternative fuels.
“Our new white paper is designed to set out the options for interested stakeholders and to offer a balanced assessment of the potential of these fuels and technologies going forward.
“We hope that by doing so we can add to the growing body of knowledge and enable investment decisions to be made with greater certainty and confidence.”
Learn how the fuel of the future can work for shippers and ports by reading 'Driving Innovation: LNG Support Services', a technical paper by GAC
The sulphur cap could be a major driver for LNG as an alternative fuel for newbuilding vessels.
DNV GL’s Gerd Würsig, Business Director Alternative fuelled ships, at DNV GL – Maritime, has called LNG a “prime contender” amongst the other alternatives.
Würsig said: “LNG has already overcome the barriers related to international legislation and is available in sufficient quantities today to meet the requirements of the shipping industry for many years.
“It also fits within the trend of demands to lower emissions of CO2, NOx and particulate matter.”
