Brookings Institution Hosting Panels on LNG Marine Fuel

The Brookings Institution, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, will host a two-panel discussion on the use of LNG as a marine fuel on Tuesday, March 3, the organization announced today.

The panels are part of the Institution's Energy Security and Climate Initiative (ESCI). The first panel will examine evolving policy, regulatory, and environmental factors associated with using LNG as a marine fuel. The second panel will address emerging opportunities and barriers to adoption. ESCI Senior Fellow Charles Ebinger will provide introductory remarks and then moderate the discussion. After the program, speakers will take audience questions.  

The heavy bunker fuels predominantly used by the world’s 90,000 cargo ships are among the dirtiest and highest polluting—a single container ship can emit as many chemicals as an estimated 50 million cars—and that marine shipping may account for around 3 to 4 percent of climate change emissions worldwide, the group said in a press release.

Earlier this month, the offshore supply vessel HARVEY ENERGY became the first U.S. flag vessel to bunker LNG fuel. Later this year, TOTE will deliver the first U.S. flag LNG-fueled container ship. While natural gas is a cost-efficient and arguably cleaner fuel alternative, its widespread use in the maritime shipping industry would require considerable infrastructure investment, the group noted.