LNG As A Bunker Fuel; An Environmentally Friendly Energy Source That Emits Fewer Air Pollutants
LNG as a bunker fuel is the practice of providing liquefied natural gas fuel to a ship for its own consumption. The major advantage of bunker fuel is a significant reduction in pollutants due to the more traditional method of fueling ships, such as marine gas oil (MGO), marine diesel fuel (MDO), and heavy fuel oil, among others. In an effort to curb air pollution from shipping, some ship-owners have turned to LNG as a bunker fuel because it emits significantly fewer air pollutants and contains 30 percent less carbon than HFO.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) presents an alternative for simultaneous application with fossil fuels derived from crude oil (e.g. diesel), with a special focus on means of transport that require an extended operating range or a demand for high performance output. A marine LNG engine is a dual fuel engine that uses natural gas and bunker fuel to convert chemical energy into the mechanical energy. Bunker fuel is a type of fuel used on board a ship, and the most commonly used type is residual fuel oil bunker or Bunker C.
LNG As A Bunker Fuel is much easier to transport and can be used as a portable fuel for ships. LNG bunkering is the process of transferring liquefied natural gas to a ship for use as fuel. It is a popular method of fueling ships because it is a less pollutant method compared to the other traditional methods. LNG bunker ships are used for refueling LNG-powered vessels at the sea. While, bunker Barge is a self-propelled or non-self-propelled vessel which is normally used in the carriage of bulk liquid cargoes for the purpose of bunkering.
The use of LNG as a bunker fuel for ships other than those carrying LNG as cargo is a relatively new concept in North America. As of 2019, LNG bunkering in the United States takes place in two locations Jacksonville, FL, and Port Fourchon, LA-with a third facility under development in Tacoma, WA. The LNG facilities in these ports serve the domestic market.