SEA-LNG critiques ICCT study on methane emissions from ships

In response to the recently published study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) titled "Fugitive and unburned Methane Emissions from Ships (FUMES)," SEA-LNG, the industry coalition promoting the use of LNG as a marine fuel, issued a statement on January 30. SEA-LNG acknowledged the study's insights into methane emissions challenges but expressed concerns about its methodology and applicability for regulatory development.

Key concerns raised by SEA-LNG include:

1. Experimental Airborne Measurement Methodology: SEA-LNG questioned the use of an experimental airborne measurement methodology that lacks verification against industry standards or calibration against on-board measurements.

2. Limited Vessels and Technologies Coverage: The study primarily focused on a limited number of vessels, predominantly using older low-pressure engine technologies. SEA-LNG emphasized the absence of sufficient measurements from high-pressure dual-fuel technologies, which are prevalent in the new build order book.

3. Inability to Distinguish Between Emission Sources: The study's failure to differentiate between individual onboard emission sources raises questions about the ability to quantify methane slip associated with specific engine technologies.

4. Focus on Atypical Operating Conditions: SEA-LNG pointed out that measurements were concentrated on atypical vessel operating conditions and engine load factors, representing less than 10% of ships' operational conditions. The majority of observations were taken with engine loads of around 0-30%, which SEA-LNG argued does not accurately represent typical voyage time conditions.

While acknowledging the proposed operational measures in the ICCT study, SEA-LNG emphasised ongoing industry efforts to address methane slip and fugitive methane emissions. The organisation highlighted the voluntary strides made by the industry, particularly in the development of high-pressure dual-fuel engine technologies that virtually eliminate methane slip.

SEA-LNG reiterated its support for initiatives like the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) and the EU-funded Green Ray project. These initiatives focus on quantifying and mitigating methane slip and fugitive methane emissions, reflecting the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility, it said.

In conclusion, SEA-LNG called for regulations to be based on certified operational measurements, allowing for updates as engine manufacturers continue to enhance emissions performance. SEA-LNG said it remains committed to supporting the industry's transition to LNG-fuelled ships and encourages ongoing research, innovation, and collaboration to achieve environmentally sustainable solutions.