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Availability and costs of liquefied bio- and synthetic methane – the maritime shipping perspective
26th March 2020
The shipping industry faces unprecedented challenges if it is to meet the IMO’s decarbonisation targets. If we are to make effective, meaningful progress with emissions reductions, waiting for the ‘perfect’ solution is not an option; we must act today.
Decarbonisation of the shipping industry will require the use of zero or low carbon fuels. A potential decarbonisation pathway for shipping is to use liquefied biomethane, produced from biomass or liquefied synthetic methane, produced from renewable electricity, often referred to as ‘power-to-gas’.
SEA-LNG commissioned this study from CE Delft to explore the potential availability and cost of LBM and LSM produced from renewable electricity with the aim of providing industry-leading, timely, and proven analysis to support the growing case for LBM and LSM in driving forward LNG as a decarbonisation solution towards 2030, 2050, and beyond.
The findings conclude that both LBM and LSM are scalable solutions for the maritime sector, with estimated sustainable global supplies potentially exceeding the demands of shipping in the future, and likely to be commercially competitive relative to other low- and zero-carbon fuels. Further, the growing LNG-fuelled fleet could use LBM or LSM without requiring major modifications, and the existing supply infrastructure will remain fit for bunkering purposes with either fuel.
Download our summary of the key takeaways from the study
