SEALNG, a collaborative foundation seeking to further the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the shipping sector, has welcomed Virginia as its first port member from the US.
The port is currently pursuing opportunities for sustainable growth as part of its US$700m expansion project to increase overall container capacity by 40%, and in March 2019 began to explore the possible benefits of implementing LNG bunkers.
The SEALNG coalition aims to unite important stakeholders from across the industry and along the LNG marine value chain, driving the adoption of LNG.
The new fleet of LNG-powered ships will include nine capable of carrying 22,000 TEU… @cmacgm #PTIDaily #Shipping #LNG #Environmenthttps://t.co/KUlqKgAkF3
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) June 11, 2019
By advocating for collaboration and communication on key aspects of the movement, from regulation and the necessary infrastructure to economic matters, SEALNG hopes to make serious progress in this segment.
LNG is said to offer significant advantages to shippers, improving air quality and decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with environmental regulations.
Its partnership with Virginia, the second North American port to join the coalition following the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, is expected to accelerate the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel and provide a path towards “zero-emissions shipping”.
Bryan Comer examines the path towards zero-emission shipping in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Other ports around the world have also signed up to the foundation, including Europe’s premier container hub the Port of Rotterdam and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
PTI has approached the SEALNG coalition for further comment on its latest member.