Commissioner Doyle: LNG "Blossoming" as Marine Fuel

FMC Commissioner William P. Doyle issued this morning’s opening remarks at the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) 6th Sino - American Logistics Conference in Chicago, Il, where he addressed the use of LNG as a marine fuel.

Doyle cited the United States' abundance of natural gas as a driver for the country’s marine industry to adopt LNG as an alternative fuel source. In addition, he spoke to the environmental and economic benefits associated with the use of LNG in the maritime segment.

Commissioner Doyle discussed the Chinese push for LNG as marine fuel and highlighted the progress of their 2010 pilot program as well as the nation’s goals for future development.

He also discussed LNG's presence stateside. “The Obama Administration is embracing the concept of LNG as a marine fuel,” Doyle said. “The Department of Transportation through the Maritime Administration is sponsoring a demonstration project involving an ocean-going containership that will be repowered to use LNG as a propulsion fuel. The Maritime Administration is also funding research related to LNG fuel transfer, infrastructure and training. This research is slated to be completed in 2014.”

Mr. Doyle then identified recent LNG maritime initiatives including those at Interlake Steamship Company, TOTE, Harvey Gulf International Marine, Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering Corp., Minyan Marine, American Petroleum Tankers, Seabulk Tankers, NASSCO, Washington State Ferry System and Staten Island Ferry System.

“This sector is blossoming before our eyes,” Doyle said, “and I am sure that there are so many more projects on the horizon.”

Commissioner Doyle’s speech can be read in its entirety at fmc.gov/doyles-remarks10-9-13/.