LNG (liquefied natural gas) is a natural gas that turns into liquid when cooled to minus 162 degrees Celsius. The liquid volume decreases by a factor of 600, making it more suitable for storage and transportation.

Diesel and heavy heating oil are still the most commonly used fuels for transport on rivers and by sea. However, these fuels emit fine particles (NOx and CO2) when burned. Shipping will have to comply with more stringent emission standards from 2015/2016. Sailing on LNG will tackle pollution at source and immediately ensure compliance with these standards. The transport becomes ‘green’ and gives shipping companies a robust argument for customers to choose their services.

LNG is cleaner and cheaper than diesel; its price is more stable and emits 50% less noise pollution than a diesel engine. Shipping currently uses very little LNG. One of the reasons is the difficulty in supplying the ships and this is still done by truck. There is thus a clear need for LNG filling stations for vessels. Clean Tech Delta’s LNG in Shipping project will take the initiative to run an ‘industrial pilot’. The project involves switching ships from diesel fuel to LNG so that a small-scale LNG infrastructure becomes profitable. An implementation and contact point will be created to answer any questions related to switching from diesel to LNG.