Methane Emission Measurements for LNG fueled inland vessels

Publieke samenvatting / Public summary

Aanleiding
Focusing on shipping, the use and broad implementation of LNG has the potential of reducing ship's emissions thereby improving air quality in and along inland shipping routes combined with an ever increasing economic benefits generated through expected lower fuel prices for LNG compared to the conventional fuels.

Doelstelling
Since all the parties that operate ships, build engines or classify ships are confronted by the same questions, the Nationaal LNG Platform proposes establishing this as a Joint Industry Project to answer the open questions on emission reduction and in particular Methane emissions for inland navigation in relation to the NRMM Directive and future developments.

Korte omschrijving
- It is needed to provide the full picture on the emissions in order to ensure a balanced message to the sector and stakeholders, also in comparison with road haulage. It is important to address the emissions in gram per kWh and also the emission in terms of grams per tonkilometer. - The industry has to ensure that Methane emissions of LNG fuelled ships during the combustion process stays within limits. For a broader application it is essential that the industry can demonstrate, in a properly substantiated way those Methane emissions are within limits and that there is development and potential to further reduce the Methane slip emissions. - It is important to address the future pathways to reduce methane slip, air pollutant emissions as well as the fuel economy. Foreseen developments are the Direct Injection and application of more advanced sensor technologies to further control and optimize motor management. For that reason research is needed as regards the feasibility and possible impacts of such technologies.

Resultaat
The use of LNG fuel for shipping and heavy duty road transport will strengthen the economic position of the Netherlands and is closely aligned with the Dutch national concept of the gas roundabout /hub which opens up new market outlets for natural gas a fuel. LNG also offers intrinsic environmental benefits: apart from lower CO2 emission, the emissions of NOx, SOx and particulate matter are cut drastically while noise pollution is also significantly reduced. The emission of CO2 is lower due to the combustion behavior of natural gas. In the future further 'greening' of LNG can be facilitated by the introduction and addition of, amongst others, Bio-LNG or Hydrogen.