A recent study published in the journal Energies has shed light on the growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a shipping fuel, particularly in the southern Baltic Sea region. Led by Ewelina Orysiak from the Faculty of Navigation at the Maritime University of Szczecin, the research focuses on optimizing the distribution of LNG to meet the needs of maritime shipping while adhering to stringent environmental regulations.
The maritime transport industry is under increasing pressure to reduce harmful emissions, particularly in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) like the Baltic Sea, which enforce strict limits on pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The study highlights how LNG can serve as a transitional fuel, significantly cutting emissions—by approximately 90-95% for SOx and 20-25% for CO2—compared to traditional marine fuels.
Orysiak’s research identifies the urgent need for a robust LNG bunkering infrastructure to support the growing fleet of LNG-powered ships. Currently, the lack of developed facilities along the southern Baltic coast poses a challenge for shipowners looking to comply with environmental regulations. The study proposes the establishment of LNG storage locations in key ports such as Gdynia, Świnoujście, Darłowo, Kołobrzeg, and Krynica Morska, which would enable efficient fuel supply to vessels.
“The expansion of the LNG-powered fleet is bound to drive the development of LNG handling, storage, and bunkering infrastructure,” Orysiak noted. This growth presents significant commercial opportunities for sectors involved in shipbuilding, port operations, and energy supply chains. As more companies invest in LNG technology, there is potential for job creation and economic growth in maritime logistics.
The research also emphasizes the importance of optimizing the LNG distribution network to ensure that bunkering vessels can efficiently supply fuel to ships. By utilizing advanced modeling techniques, the study provides insights into traffic density and the operational characteristics necessary for effective LNG distribution.
As the demand for cleaner shipping fuels continues to rise, LNG is positioned as a key player in the transition towards more sustainable maritime practices. However, Orysiak cautions that while LNG is currently a popular choice due to its lower emissions, it is seen as a temporary solution. The industry may eventually shift towards even more sustainable alternatives as decarbonization efforts intensify.
Overall, this study not only highlights the immediate need for LNG infrastructure in the southern Baltic Sea but also points to broader implications for the shipping industry as it navigates the challenges of environmental compliance and the quest for cleaner fuels. The findings underscore the potential for LNG to reshape maritime fuel strategies, paving the way for a more sustainable future in shipping.
