Port of New Orleans in handshake over LNG refuelling

The Port of New Orleans will work with a clean energy company to look at ways to offer LNG bunkering solutions for ship owners and operators working within its jurisdiction, it said August 18.

Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) the port authority will provide data, logistical support, customer contacts and marketing support to clean energy company CLEANCOR Energy solutions, a subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings. CLEANCOR in turn will work to provide LNG for fuelling solutions at the port.

“LNG paves the way of the future and provides a suitable and sustainable fuel source for the diverse cargo operations on our terminals and in our jurisdiction,” port CEO Brandy Christian said.

Shippers under a protocol developed by the International Maritime Organisation, dubbed IMO 2020, are obligated to use greener fuels or an onboard gas-exhaust cleaner called a scrubber to reduce their emissions.

LNG is among the more readily-available options for shippers. This week, United European Car Carriers (UECC) said it was able to cut down on its emissions in part through the use of LNG-battery hybrid ships.

UECC said it expected to exceed the IMO target to reduce carbon intensity by 40% from 2008 levels within 2030. Emissions of carbon dioxide will be reduced by around 25%, SOx and particulate matter by 90% and NOx by 85% from the use of LNG.