SEA-LNG highlights LNG’s growth and lower GHG emissions ahead of MEPC

SEA-LNG, the coalition supporting the methane decarbonisation pathway, today underlined recent progress made in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from LNG as a marine fuel, the developments in bunkering of liquefied biomethane and the exponential growth of LNG-powered shipping.

In the last 6 years SEA-LNG Members have been instrumental in the global growth of the LNG-powered fleet and the everyday use of biomethane as a marine fuel. This growth in cleaner, greener marine fuel has been matched by technology improvements to cut GHG emissions from LNG.

Energy producers have cut well-to-wake emissions by a quarter in the same period. Engine manufacturers have taken practical steps to almost halve the emissions performance of those engines with methane slip. Real progress towards eliminating methane slip has been this decade.

At London International Shipping Week in September, the leadership of ABS and DNV - two of the world’s largest classification societies highlighted the importance of LNG, and the pathway it enables through liquefied biomethane (LBM/bio-LNG) and e-methane. The industry also notes the risk of unintended consequences from regulations for which the supporting guidelines have not yet been fully developed.

SEA-LNG represents the whole LNG value chain and is the only maritime industry organisation advocating for LNG and the methane decarbonisation pathway. It has for years suggested that regulations be firmly founded on proven science and remain technology neutral. Within this context it is also important that regulators be practical and realistic as to what can be accomplished in any given timeline.

Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG, said: “The evidence is clear: LNG is delivering emissions reductions now and providing a practical pathway to net-zero through biomethane and e-methane. It is essential that future regulation builds on this momentum and recognises the proven benefits of the methane decarbonisation pathway.”

Steve Esau, Chief Operating Officer of SEA-LNG, added: “Independent studies by Sphera and Rystad Energy confirm a steady decline in well-to-tank emissions from LNG over the past decade. With further reductions expected as supply chains evolve, and with LBM and e-methane scaling, the pathway is both credible today and vital for the industry’s long-term transition.”