The results of a first-of-its-kind study to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from LNG carriers were released on 14 June, providing actionable data for the LNG shipping industry on methane emissions.
The study, led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), helps improve the understanding of GHG emission profiles of LNG carriers to meet national and international climate targets and corporate climate strategies.
In 2021, a team of researchers from Queen Mary and SLR Consultants took direct measurements onboard the Cheniere-chartered GasLog Galveston for a roundtrip voyage from Cheniere’s Corpus Christi liquefaction facility to a discharge port in Europe.
The research covered all sources of methane and CO2 emissions, including engine exhausts, venting and fugitive emissions. The study also sheds light on the best methods to directly measure methane emissions from LNG carriers, for future studies or retrofitting on-board continuous emissions monitors.
The results and recommendations were published following peer-review in the journal Environmental Science and Technology (American Chemical Society) and include:
Dr Paul Balcombe, the Principal Investigator and lecturer in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy from Queen Mary University of London, commented on the results of the survey and said:
This study helps to fill a big data gap when it comes to methane emissions from LNG shipping. It’s vital that we understand what their emissions profile is at a time when LNG imports are likely to grow substantially to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian gas
In addition, Fiji George, Cheniere’s Senior Director for Climate and Sustainability, noted that “this study provides actionable recommendations to monitor and reduce LNG shipping emissions to further strengthen the climate benefits of LNG.”
The industry needs similar studies to gather concrete data and establish confidence in the operational emissions. This is essential in determining impactful mitigating measures and pursue realistic reduction targets
Kostas Karathanos, Gaslog’s COO said.
EXPLORE MORE AT THE STUDY ON EMISSIONS FROM LNG
