BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.14
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be vital in fuel switching from oil in maritime transport, Eurogas told Trend commenting on the impact of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) regulation on low sulphur content.
Eurogas is an association representing the European gas wholesale, retail and distribution sectors towards the EU institutions. Founded in 1990, Eurogas currently comprises 46 companies and associations from 21 countries.
“We expect the International Maritime Organisation’s regulation will bring significant contribution to global efforts on fighting climate change. LNG will be vital in fuel switching from oil in maritime transport, heavy goods vehicles and long-distance transport. LNG will support emissions reductions and at the same time fulfil two other key elements of EU energy policy – affordability and security of supply,” said the association.
It should also not be forgotten the LNG engines are made in Europe, with the technical input and huge investment of European champion companies like Wartsila in Finland, said Eurogas.
Beginning on January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization enacted Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention), which lowers the maximum sulfur content of marine fuel oil used in ocean-going vessels from 3.5 percent of weight to 0.5 percent.
The association said that fostering international cooperation to tackle climate change can bring new dynamics to the EU’s relations with its energy partners. “For example, the EU could also encourage its energy suppliers, including from the Middle East, to convert their natural gas into low carbon hydrogen, as well as to make renewable hydrogen from solar and wind power.”
Diversified sources of gas and infrastructure are healthy for the overall performance of the gas market, according to Eurogas.
“Diversification of sources also brings additional competition to the market, which is always in consumers’ interest. Gas infrastructure will also carry renewable and decarbonized gas, which will make the difference to ensure that Europe achieves its ambition of carbon neutrality in 2050.”
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