Vancouver Enters Worldwide LNG Coalition

SEA/LNG, a coalition seeking to further the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a maritime fuel, has announced that the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has become its first North American port member.

Joining the Port of Rotterdam, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Vancouver has demonstrated its commitment to developing a global LNG value chain for more environmentally-friendly shipping.

According to a statement, SEA\LNG’s vision of a cleaner supply chain by 2020 correlates with Vancouver and British Columbia initiatives to increase the use of natural gas in the region.

In addition to this, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is working with regional gas supplier Fortis BC to advance LNG bunkering at the Port of Vancouver.

Duncan Wilson, Vice President of Environment, Community and Government Affairs at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, said: “As part of our vision to be the world’s most sustainable port, we engage in a number of emissions management initiatives that help support a healthy environment.

“This partnership with SEA\LNG represents an opportunity for us to be part of a multi-sector group that is reducing marine shipping emissions and improving air quality.”

Peter Keller, SEA\LNG Chairman, also commented: “We are pleased to welcome the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to our growing coalition and look forward to leveraging their expertise to realise our vision of developing LNG infrastructure in ports around the globe to enable quick, safe, and cost-effective bunkering.”

SEA/LNG continues to bring together key companies working in the maritime sector, including major LNG suppliers, shipping companies like K Line, and infrastructure providers.

Working in partnership with the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), SEA/LNG is currently developing tools that will enable the entire shipping industry to access the potential of LNG, both as means of improving air quality and reducing the level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced.

LNG has been considered a way to decarbonisation, as it emits zero sulphur oxides, little particulate matter, and 90% less nitrogen oxides than heavy fuel oils (HFOs).