LNG

SEA-LNG, the coalition established to demonstrate the commercial and environmental benefits of LNG and the pathway it provides for cleaner shipping, has signed up Nikkiso Clean Energy and Industrial Gases (Nikkiso CEIG) is the latest member company.

Nikkiso supplies equipment, technologies and engineering services to support the safe operation of LNG as a marine fuel.

“SEA-LNG’s membership will open up networking and collaboration opportunities for Nikkiso to support its work on cryogenic pumps and process systems as well as broader cryogenic services,” said a statement.

The group also works on heat exchanger systems and Nikkiso Turboexpander systems and has experience in boil-off-gas management for LNG fuelled vessels, methane slip mitigation, and integrated LNG fuel gas supply systems.

Wide options 

Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG, said that to achieve its cleaner shipping targets the industry would require a basket of fuels and technology options.

“Collaboration across the entire LNG value chain, with companies like Nikkiso, ensures that LNG will have a place as a key part of that basket,” added Keller.

“As an important marine fuel, LNG can deliver on decarbonisation now with immediate greenhouse-gas emissions reductions and that provides a low risk, incremental pathway for decarbonisation through bio-LNG and renewable synthetic e-LNG,” he stated in looking well into the future.

Peter Wagner, Chief Executive of the Nikkiso CEIG, said the the group aimed to encourage the shipping industry to swiftly adopt LNG as a marine fuel, because it provides a readily and immediately available low-carbon clean energy.

“The fuel also has the physical properties to facilitate a more efficient ship construction integration compared to alternative fuels,” added Wagner.

“This enables the maritime industry to lower emissions by a further 20 percent on the basis of clean energy and efficient ship designs,” he said.

Gradual process

Steve Esau, Chief Operating Officer of SEA-LNG, concluded that the carbon-neutral fuel solutions would not arrive in a “big-bang” process and instead there would be incremental decarbonisation of existing assets as fuel production, transportation, storage and bunkering infrastructure and engine technologies develop.

“We are excited to welcome another new member whose innovative technology and engineering expertise supports the cost-effective operation of LNG as a marine fuel today,” stated Esau.

SEA-LNG is a UK-registered not-for-profit collaborative industry foundation serving the needs of its member organisations and is committed to furthering the use of LNG as an important, environmentally superior maritime fuel.

It has members across the entire LNG value chain including providers of the product, users, engine and asset suppliers and class societies.

SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition established to demonstrate the commercial and environmental benefits of LNG as a marine fuel, has signed up Mexico’s natural gas company Énestas as a member and it will help provide insights into Mexican and US LNG infrastructure and bunkering.

Énestas is focused on providing competitive access to raw materials and fuels necessary for the development of regional industries and communities in Mexico.

SEA-LNG said that in doing so, Énestas has successfully built and implemented innovative logistics projects that are “one of a kind” in Latin America, including the fast-tracked Coatzacoalcos project in the Mexican state of Veracruz.

Énestas has the largest LNG distribution network in Mexico and is expanding gas infrastructure and logistics solutions in the region including LNG bunkering, where it sees strong opportunities.

“The firm is proud to join SEA-LNG as a partner that will help ship owners and operators to move forward towards a cleaner future for shipping with LNG,” said Miguel González de Cossío Vigil, Commercial Director of Énestas.

“SEA-LNG’s high-quality research and networking opportunities will be invaluable to the Énestas team as we continue to enhance gas and fuel accessibility,” he added.

Steve Esau, Chief Operating Officer, of SEA-LNG said he was delighted to have Énestas on board.

LNG expansion

“We are pleased to be able to support Énestas in its goal of safely and efficiently expanding LNG supply and bunkering infrastructure in Mexico and the USA, creating jobs and economic benefits in a key maritime region,” Esau stated.

Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG, concluded that the body is a catalyst for uniting the LNG fuel sector

“SEA-LNG continues to unite organisations from across the LNG value chain to further improve LNG availability worldwide, and to help the global shipping industry to address local emissions,” Keller said.

SEA-LNG said the recent addition of Énestas to its membership supports this drive and noted that the UK-based ship services company Clarksons reported that LNG was now available as bunkering fuel at 185 ports worldwide with a further 50 re-fuelling facilities planned by 2025.