What to Do about LNG Regulation 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the UN has begun driving a full-scale ship carbon-neutral policy, following the European Union's (EU) lead. In line with the global carbon-neutral trend, the complete withdrawal of liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion ships, which have emerged as an alternative to bunker C oil, is being discussed. This discussion is expected to bring about a change in perception in the shipping and shipbuilding industries.

The carbon emission regulation to be announced next year is an additional regulation to achieve the IMO's goal of zero carbon by 2050. At the MEPC(79), there was a call for regulation, especially on the emission of methane and nitrogen oxides from ships. Methane is a substance mainly generated when LNG propulsion ships burn fuel, and is known to generate up to 900 times more methane than bunker C oil.

At MEPC80, the biggest concern was whether or not LNG-powered ships would be withdrawn from the shipping industry. A number of IMO member countries have argued that methane and nitrous oxide must be included in the regulatory targets for carbon neutrality, and environmental groups are also supporting these claims. IMO Secretary-General Lim Gi-tak expressed his opinion at the opening ceremony of MEPC79 that strong regulations are needed to address climate change and marine pollution.

In response to this case, engine manufacturers and equipment manufacturers are preparing equipment related to methane slip. For example, WinGD, a representative engine manufacturer, installed ICER on the existing engine when releasing XDF 2.0. Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling – iCER – is the first technology launched on the X-DF2.0 platform. By delivering enhanced combustion control through the use of inert gas, iCER reduces fuel consumption and methane slip at a reduced CAPEX. The installation of ICER is expected to increase fuel efficiency and reduce methane slip by up to 50%.