Norway Sees Itself as LNG Hub
The Baltic Sea has the potential to become a pilot area for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative shipping fuel, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
“The dynamic economic growth and development of the Baltic Sea region is putting increased pressure on the marine environment. The impacts of climate change will add to this pressure,” he said in a speech reported on the Oslo government website.
Stoltenberg, speaking last week at the Baltic Sea Summit in St. Petersburg, said Norway supports EU efforts to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by ship traffic in the Baltic. The waterway is heavily polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus.
Norway supports technological solutions to meet the new requirements for the maritime industry in the Baltic Sea, the prime minister said. “One of the most promising alternatives is the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel for ships,” he said.
By using LNG, sulphur and particle emissions are eliminated. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) are reduced by 90%, and carbon dioxide emissions by around 20%.
Stoltenberg said the Baltic region has strong and innovative maritime industries, whereas travel distances in the Baltic Sea are ideal for short sea shipping.
“Therefore, we believe that the Baltic Sea has the potential to become a pilot area for the use of LNG in Europe,” the Minister stressed.
“We welcome increased cooperation between governments and businesses to meet environmental challenges. I am glad to see that Norwegian companies are involved in finding solutions for a cleaner Baltic Sea.”
In November, the European Union adopted the International Maritime Organization's call to implement strict limits on the sulphur content of marine fuels, especially those used in the Baltic and North seas, beginning in 2015.
Meanwhile, the IMO is also working on new lower levels for nitrogen oxide and particulate matter on the Baltic.
Supporters of the move say switching ship engines from diesel to LNG propulsion virtually eliminates emissions of sulphur and particulates and reduces nitrous oxide emissions.