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Methane slippage in the marine industry

19 December
2024
 
Compared to traditional marine fuels, LNG offers significant environmental benefits, including lower CO2 emissions, virtually zero sulfur emissions and a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) of around 85%. In addition, LNG infrastructure continues to expand with little sign of this slowing in the foreseeable future, making a strong case for ship owners weighing the practicality of potential emission reduction pathways for ships.
However, the long-term viability of LNG as a marine fuel depends on effectively eliminating methane slippage. Increased methane emissions undermine the environmental benefits of LNG, challenging the industry's decarbonisation goals. Therefore, reducing methane slippage is not only an environmental imperative, but also a matter of operational efficiency and profitability for ship owners.
Addressing the methane slide requires an approach that encompasses advances in engine technology, combustion efficiency and fuel management. Leading the way is Wärtsilä, a prominent player in the marine engine industry that has developed innovative solutions to minimize methane emissions.
Wärtsilä NextDF technology improves combustion efficiency, ensuring more complete fuel combustion and thus significantly reducing methane slippage and NOx emissions. "By optimizing fuel distribution in the combustion chamber, NextDF ensures that each cylinder operates at maximum efficiency, significantly minimizing the likelihood of unburned methane leaking into the atmosphere. This not only helps to meet regulatory standards, but also significantly increases the economic viability of using LNG as a marine fuel,” explains Kitola.
The role of bio-LNG in the fuel of the future
While LNG is an effective transition fuel, the marine industry is also exploring the potential of Bio-LNG to further mitigate its carbon footprint. Bio-LNG, derived from sustainable biomass sources, offers a solution compatible with existing infrastructure and LNG engines. This compatibility facilitates a smooth transition to low-carbon operations without the need for significant upgrades or additional investment.
Kytölä continues: “Vessel engines that use LNG can later be converted to biofuels such as biogas without the need for major upgrades. This flexibility is critical to the long-term decarbonisation strategy of the maritime industry as it allows for the gradual improvement and integration of more sustainable fuel options as they become available – and available in the quantities and locations required.”
Bio-LNG adoption is projected to grow, with estimates that it could meet up to 3.1% of the shipping sector's energy needs by 2030, increasing to 12.6% by 2050. When mixed with fossil LNG, the contribution of Bio-LNG to the energy demand of the coverage is significantly expanded, increasing its viability as a sustainable fuel option. The flexibility of LNG engines to convert to bio-LNG without major modifications positions bio-LNG as a critical component in the maritime industry's long-term decarbonisation strategy.
Adding methane slip to Eq
The development of accurate methane emission measurement and reporting protocols is critical to creating transparent and reliable emissions inventories. Improved measurement techniques will enable more accurate monitoring and management of methane slippage, facilitating better regulatory compliance and informed decision-making.
“Looking forward, the maritime industry is likely to take a multifaceted approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions rather than focusing solely on carbon emissions. This requires not only improvements in engine technology and the introduction of cleaner fuels, but also implementation of operational strategies that optimize vessel performance and fuel economy. Hybrid solutions, modernized engines and the integration of new fuel technologies such as ammonia and methanol are further diversifying the toolbox available to ship operators seeking sustainability, all of which contribute to zero